MORAGA, Calif. – Bethune-Cookman's quick start wasn't enough to withstand a red-hot second half by St. Mary's In a 93-61 decision Tuesday at McKeon Pavilion. Malik Maitland led BCU with 13 points as the Wildcats fell to 4-5, while the Gaels advanced to 5-4.
 
The Wildcats sprinted out to the lead as Cletrell Pope secured the opening tip and fed Maitland for the lay-in. It was the beginning of an impressive start for the Daytona Beach, Fla. native who secured six points in the first 3:58 when BCU held a 10-9 lead.
 
BCU led by as much as seven on Mark Gordon's three at 11:42 to make the score 18-11 in favor of the Wildcats.
 
The Gaels made a quick comeback to tie the contest less than two minutes later, and held their own seven-point lead on Jordan Hunter's hook shot with 26 seconds remaining. Maitland answered before the halftime buzzer with a baseline fadeaway to send the teams into intermission with a 36-31 SMC lead.
 
St. Mary's found its groove in the latter period with an 8-16 showing from three, and 18-28 from the field. Jordan Hunter led all players with 24 points and Jordan Ford kept pace with 23.
 
BCU continues its West Coast swing with a 10 p.m. Eastern tip against San Jose State on Dec. 6.
 
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