Bethune-Cookman's Moore Gymnasium was electric on Friday night as the Wildcats hosted Grambling State in a non-conference showdown. The game saw both teams exchange baskets, but ultimately, Bethune-Cookman's balanced attack proved too much for Grambling State to handle, resulting in a 74-65 victory. Daniel Rouzan led the charge for the Wildcats, scoring 15 points, while Rickey Ballard paced Grambling State with 14 points.
The first half belonged to Bethune-Cookman, as they built a commanding 35-24 lead at the break. The Wildcats' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Rouzan and Tyler Andrews combining for 17 points in the opening stanza. Grambling State, on the other hand, struggled to find its rhythm, shooting just 32% from the field in the first half. Roderick Coffee III was a bright spot for the Tigers, scoring 7 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in the first 20 minutes.
The second half saw Grambling State mount a comeback, outscoring Bethune-Cookman 41-39 in the final 20 minutes. Ballard caught fire, scoring 10 of his 14 points in the second half, and Antonio Munoz added 9 points to help the Tigers trim the deficit. However, Bethune-Cookman's lead proved insurmountable, as the Wildcats continued to find ways to score. Jakobi Heady chipped in with 12 points and 5 rebounds, providing a crucial spark off the bench.
While the win may not have significant tournament implications, it is a crucial Quadrant 4 victory for Bethune-Cookman, which currently boasts a 254 net ranking. For Grambling State, the loss drops them to 8-10 on the season, with a 272 net ranking. As both teams navigate their respective conference schedules, wins like these can help bolster their resumes, even if they don't carry the same weight as Quadrant 1 or 2 victories.
The victory marks Bethune-Cookman's ninth win of the season, and while it may not be a marquee victory, it demonstrates the team's ability to take care of business against lesser opponents. Grambling State, on the other hand, want to regroup and refocus as they head back into conference play. With both teams still searching for consistency, this game serves as a reminder that every win counts, regardless of the opponent.
As the season wears on, Bethune-Cookman want to build on this momentum, using it as a springboard to make a push in their conference standings. With a solid core of players, including Rouzan and Heady, the Wildcats have the potential to make some noise in the coming weeks. For now, they can savor this hard-fought win, one that may not be a headline-grabber but is undoubtedly a crucial addition to their resume.