Dec. 21, 2000

AKRON, Ohio (AP) - Nate Schindewolf scored 25 points, including six connections from 3-point range, leading Akron's win over Cleveland State, 82-80, Thursday night.

The Zips (3-4) opened a three-game homestand with their first appearance at James A. Rhodes Arena since beating Rhode Island 74-60 in Akron's home opener on Dec. 6.

The Zips played without leading scorer Andy Hipsher, a sophomore averaging 14.2 points, who is sidelined with a back injury. But they enjoyed a spark from point guards Rashon Brown, a junior, and Andre Sims, a freshman, both transfers who were able to play for the first time this season.

Brown, who played previously at Western Kentucky, and Sims, in his first college game, each scored 14.

Rollie Massimino's Vikings (5-5) had won two straight and were coming off a double-overtime win, 87-85, over Florida State Tuesday night.

Akron set a fast pace early, going ahead 9-0 in the first two minutes, and the Zips led by as many as 17 points in the first half before Cleveland State rallied back. Akron was on top 39-33 at the half, with David Falknor pacing Akron with 10 points off the bench.

Cleveland State went ahead for the first time in the second half, 47-45, on Jermaine Robinson's jumper. Robinson paced the Vikings with 22 points. He made four 3-pointers.

Cleveland State point guard Jamaal Harris fouled out with 8:54 left. But even without him, the Vikings battled Akron fiercely the rest of the way. They had a chance to win on Robinson's desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer.

The Zips won despite making just 18 of their 30 free throws.

Cleveland State plays at Temple Saturday and Akron hosts Wyoming.