ORLANDO, Fla. -- Penn College saw four Wildcats reach double figures, including a double-double effort from Livingston Cross in a 99-77 defeat to nonconference foe, UMass Boston in the first game of the Florida Sunshine Shootout on Saturday in the Ocean Center. The Wildcats fell to 4-6 while the Beacons improved to 6-2.

How it happened: A tightly-contested first half opened up with a three from Livingston Cross before the Beacons completed an 8-0 run, Gavin Barrett cooled the run with a pair of free throws and DJ Smith III, tied the game at 11-11 with a layup at the 15:234 mark. 

After UMass Boston grabbed its first double-digit lead of the night with just under 10 minutes remaining in the half, Penn College went on a 8-0 run with four different scorers over the next two minutes of action. Barrett's bucket with 8:04 pulled the wildcats within six (25-31).

The Beacons held a 48-37 lead at the break and maintained its double-digit lead through the second frame. 

Inside the box: Cross posted his eighth double-double of the season with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Barrett added 14 points and dished out nine assists while grabbing six boards. Smith III tallied 15 points and Julien Leveille finished with 12 in the game. 

The Beacons shot 51% (41-80) for the game and made 14 3-pointers while the Wildcats hit seven from distance and converted on 42.6% (29-68) shooting. Xavier Mckenzie led all scorers with 32 points.

Up next: Penn College takes on Norwich for its second game of the Sunshine Shootout on Sunday at 6 p.m., in the first matchup between Coach Hensley and his college alma mater.