Five players scored in double figures as The University of Akron men’s basketball team easily handled the Malone Pioneers in a pre-season exhibition game at James A. Rhodes Arena last Thursday, 113-69.

The Zips were led by Antino Jackson finishing with 18 points and four assists. Reggie McAdams chipped in 15 points, while Jake Kretzer added 14. Jimond Ivey went 4-for-4 from the field to add 12 points in 14 minutes off the bench for Akron. Josh Williams contributed to the effort with 10 points, six assists and four rebounds.

“We did a nice job of going inside, and making open three’s. We have multiple guys who can shoot the ball,” head coach Keith Dambrot said.

The basket must have seemed twice its normal size as Akron shot 65 percent (40-61) from the field. Akron also hit 64 percent (16-25) from beyond the 3-point arc and 74 percent (17-23) from the free-throw line.

Malone’s Christian Graves hit a jump shot early in the game that gave the Pioneer’s a 7-4 lead at the 17:39 mark, but Akron took control of the game from there.

Over the next 11 minutes, Akron outscored the visitors 34-10, highlighted by the fact that nine players scored during the stretch. Kretzer had nine of his points, McAdams six, and three players contributed four points each.

Akron led 50-27 at the half and after Antino Jackson scored the first four points of the second stanza the Zips were off and running.

The Zips enjoyed their largest lead of the night when Peter Agba converted a layup to give the hosts an 113-65 cushion.