Led by Ty Pence's 19 points, the Akron Zips defeated the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns 75-61 in a season opener

LAFAYETTE, La. -- Ty Pence's 19 points helped Akron defeat Louisiana 75-61 in a season opener on Monday.

Pence had eight rebounds for the Zips. Evan Mahaffey added 16 points while going 6 of 8 and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line while they also had 11 rebounds. Tahj Staveskie went 5 of 16 from the field, including for 15 from 3-point range, to finish with 16 points.

Jamyron Keller finished with 26 points and four assists for the Ragin' Cajuns. Dani Pounds added 15 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks for Louisiana. Trent Middleton finished with 14 points and two steals.

Akron next plays Monday against Muskingum at home, and Louisiana will host Texas A & M-CC on Friday.