Nov. 17, 2000

CLEVELAND (AP) -

Theo Dixon scored 18 points and helped get Cleveland State off to a quick start as the Vikings beat Vermont 68-53 Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

Dixon had a fast-break dunk, a 3-pointer and an assist as Cleveland State jumped off to a 10-2 lead with 14:56 to play in the first half and never trailed.

Vermont, led by T.J. Sorrentine's 24 points, cut the lead to 4 points twice, the last time at 12-8 with 11:02 left in the first half.

Cleveland State responded with an 18-7 run that put the Vikings ahead 30-15 with 2:36 to play before halftime. The Vikings led 32-20 at halftime.

Trevor Gaines and Sorrentine combined for 7 points, slowed only by Tahric Gosley's basket, as Vermont got within 45-37 with 14:03 left in the second half.

Gosley then made two free throws, Andre Williams had a tip-in and Jermaine Robinson and Dixon had two free throws each as the Vikings widened the lead 53-37 with 9:43 to go.

Kevin Ross had 12 points for Cleveland State and Gosley finished with 9. Gaines and Scotty Jones added 6 each for Vermont.