SAN DIEGO – Despite a strong showing from the Wildcats in all facets of the game, B-CU could not overcome the Aztecs' red-hot shooting as they fell short 88-75 at Viejas Arena.
Bethune-Cookman shot 42.1% from three-point range and 90% from the free-throw line, which were both season-highs. But, San Diego State simply couldn't miss in the second half, going an absurd 20-of-25 from the field (80%).
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The two teams traded the lead back-and-forth several times throughout the first half, with the largest lead by either team being just five points.
Bethune-Cookman (0-4) was excellent on the glass, grabbing eight offensive rebounds which led to six second-chance points. They also took care of the basketball with just six turnovers in the frame.
The Wildcats were led by Daniel Perez-Rouzan, who scored 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting and had three rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Aztecs (3-0) did not shoot well from three-point range, but were the better team inside, outscoring B-CU 24-16 in the paint.
SDSU's aggression led to 10 free-throw attempts, while the Wildcats did not get to the charity stripe a single time.
Elzie Harrington led all scorers in the first half with 11 points.
The game continued to be competitive well into the second half, with Bethune-Cookman holding a one-point lead with 9:10 remaining.
However, the Aztecs were able to take control down the stretch as they continued to dominated down low. SDSU went on a 26-11 run the rest of the way, finishing with 52 points in the period.
B-CU had no answer for the Aztecs in the paint, allowing 28 more points in the second. In total, SDSU missed just five shots in the entire half.
Jaylen Jones carried the load offensively for the Wildcats down the stretch, with 12 points and five assists, while Latrell Davis and Jeremiah Cherry combined for 29 points in the second for the Aztecs.
- Four Wildcats reached double-figures in scoring. Jaylen Jones led the team with 14.
- Daniel Jones had his best all-around game as a Wildcat with 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, and three steals.
- Jameel Morris scored 13 points, while going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
- SDSU outscored B-CU 52-28 in the paint.
- Bethune-Cookman received 25 bench points.
- The Wildcats had a season-high 16 offensive rebounds, leading ot 16 second-chance points.
Bethune-Cookman will host Stillman College in the team's home-opener at Moore Gymnasium. The game is set for Sunday at 8 p.m. EST.
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