The Linden Patriots tipped off their 2014-15 campaign with a 59-44 road win over Akron on Tuesday.

The Patriots led throughout the contest, including a 19-11 lead at the end of the first quarter and a 28-19 lead at halftime. In the fourth quarter, Linden was able to stretch the lead into double digits.

“Our defense stood up and helped our transition,” Linden coach Royce McKinney said.

Dequan Charleston led the way for the Patriots with 12 points. Savon Parker, Antonio Baldwin and Tywan Smith each had 11 points in the win.

The Patriots are set to play their second game under McKinney next Tuesday, Dec. 9, at home against Thomasville.

“I hope to see our guys keep developing and getting better,” McKinney said. “We played hard, but we didn’t play as smart as we needed to. We need to keep working on the little things and executing our game plan, which is defense first and offense second.”