Walsh opens new arena with easy victory

NORTH CANTON — Walsh (1-0) opened its new Alumni Arena with a 113-42 rout of Cincinnati Christian on Tuesday.

Walsh (1-0), ranked No. 6 in the NAIA poll, used a 26-4 first half run to settle the issue early. Ricky Jackson scored the first basket in the new arena 21 seconds into the game. The Cavaliers led 63-20 at halftime.

Kyelce Cescato led Walsh with 19 points while Williams added 17 points and six rebounds. Jeremy Shardo, who led NAIA in assists last season, had eight on Tuesday night.

Walsh 86, Malone 54

NORTH CANTON — Walsh’s women’s team retired the Mayors’ Cup for the first time, and improved to 3-0 on the season.

Walsh scored the game’s first 10 points and never looked back in taking a 45-19 halftime lead. The Cavs shot 61 percent (19-of-31) in the first half and held their largest lead at the break.

Cara Bedard scored 13 of her game-high 19 points in the first half. Bedard shot 7-of-8 from the floor, including a 3-pointer, and was 4-for-5 at the foul line.

Jessie Miller added 17 points on 7-10 from the floor to go with seven assists, while Kayla Kovach tallied 12 points and Kristi Yoder scored 15 points off the bench.

Walsh held Malone to 36 percent shooting (20-of-55) and forced 31 turnovers.