CEDARVILLE, Ohio - Chris Beals scored 21 points and the NAIA Division II No. 5 Yellow Jackets marched to their ninth straight win by methodically disposing of Ohio Dominican, 87-65, in an American Mideast Conference game. The 17-1 overall record equals the school mark for the best record through 18 games.

Cedarville, who entered the contest leading the NAIA nationally in field goal percentage defense at 36.8 percent, checked the Panthers on 33 percent shooting for the game. ODU made just 7-of-26 shots in the first half as the Jackets built a 30-22 margin.

The visitors inched as close a three points early in the second half, but Beals fueled a seven-point spurt with one of his four three-pointers. The Yellow Jackets, 2-0 in the AMC, gradually pulled away and a run of eight consecutive points created the largest lead, 78-55, with 4:15 left.

Ricardo Alliman picked up his eighth double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Daniel Rose came off the bench with 15 points and Grant Walker added 11.

The 1964-65 ball club also started 17-1 before finishing 23-4. Two of those losses came at the hands of local rival and eventual NAIA national champion Central State. [STATS]