DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Collins Joseph's 14 points led a balanced Bethune-Cookman scoring effort as the Wildcats downed Johnson 88-41 in their home opener Wednesday night in Moore Gym.

Marcus Garrett added 13, Joe French 12 and Mikey West 11 as the Wildcats (2-8) overcame a slow start to easily post the victory after starting the season with nine games on the road.

Johnson started strong, making seven three-pointers in the first half, and took an early 19-10 lead.

B-CU answered, taking a 21-19 lead on a Joseph lay-up and for good on a Dylan Robertson dunk with 5:51 that made it 23-22. The Wildcats held the Suns to one three-pointer the rest of the half and led 37-25 at intermission.

An 8-2 run started the second half for B-CU as the Wildcats held Johnson to 16 points over the final 20 minutes.

Robertson and Kevin Davis led the Wildcats with seven rebounds each, and West dished out seven assists.

B-CU travels to Miami to face FIU Sunday at 1 p.m.

HEAD COACH REGGIE THEUS
"It was kind of weird. My first home game in this building and it felt kind of surreal because we've been on the road so much. The game always settles in, and we did what we supposed to do."

"It was a much-needed win. You can play well and still lose. The guys have done a good job of working hard."

"Defensively, we were great in the second half. Anytime you can hold team to 40 points is pretty good."

NOTES: B-CU was 15-16 from the free throw line … Johnson scored more for 3-point range (27) than from inside (14) … Ten of the 11 Wildcats scored and everyone had a least one rebound.