AMHERST, Mass. (Interstat) — The Massachusetts women’s basketball team used a dominant first quarter to cruise past Akron 82-68 on Wednesday afternoon at Mullins Center.

The Minutemen (12-3) opened a 28-14 lead after the first period and never looked back, capitalizing on 30 points off turnovers. Yahmani McKayle led Massachusetts with 15 points and 11 assists. Allie Palmieri added 16 points.

Ni’Rah Clark scored a game-high 25 points for the Zips (3-14), who lost their fourth straight. Akron cut the deficit to 11 in the third quarter but could not overcome the early hole before an announced crowd of 5,121.