Golden Flashes Use Big Run To Outlast Bulldogs

KENT, Ohio – After trailing for almost the entire first half, Kent State used a 20-1 run to start the second half as the Golden Flashes outlasted Samford, 69-66, at the MAC Center as part of the opening night of the Hispanic College Fund Classic.

Three players finished in double figures for KSU with senior Chris Singletary (Chicago, Ill. / Florida Prep) leading the way. He poured in 19 points including 9-10 from the charity stripe to pace the offense. Fellow senior Tyree Evans (Richmond, Va./Motlow C.C. [Tenn.]) chipped in 11 points, while sophomore Justin Greene (Brooklyn, N.Y. / Lincoln) also contributed a career high 11 points before fouling out. Making his first collegiate start, Greene scored six straight points for KSU to push the lead back to double figures with just under four minutes remaining.

The Golden Flashes got off to a slow start as the Bulldogs raced out to an early 9-0 advantage; however, KSU responded with seven straight points. Evans knocked down his only three of the night to get the Flashes on the board before redshirt junior Rodriguez Sherman (Indianapolis, Ind./Ben Davis) was fouled on a jumper. Senior Brandon Parks (Bunker Hill, Ind./Maconaquah) added a lay-up to cut the deficit to two.

The rest of the first half was closely contested with the Bulldogs holding a slight advantage. After KSU took an 18-16 lead, Samford responded with a 9-0 run; however, the Flashes were able to close within three (34-31) before halftime.

“I think in the first half we allowed our offensive mistakes to affect our defense,” said Singletary.  “We told each other to just keep playing defense. We had to calm down and focus because when the shots were not falling it was affecting our focus on defense.”

In the second half, Kent State stormed out of the gate due to increased defensive intensity and points off turnovers. Singletary scored on a putback before Sherman connected from beyond the arc to give Kent a two-point advantage. Singletary and senior Anthony Simpson (Rockford, Ill./Highland CC [Ill.]) split the Flashes next eight points to extend the run to 13-0. After a made free throw by the Bulldogs, senior Mike McKee (Pittsburgh, Pa./Plum) hit a three then freshman Randal Holt (Bedford, Ohio / Glenville) had back-to-back lay-ups to cap the 20-1 run.

The Bulldogs attempted to chip away at the Flashes lead, but Samford couldn’t get the lead below six until only two seconds remained in the game as KSU managed to hold on.  Andy King led three players in double figures for Samford with 14 points. 

After shooting only 35 percent in the first half, Kent State shot 45 percent from the floor in the second half. The Golden Flashes which had a 41-31 edge in rebounding also dominated the Bulldogs with points in the paint (38-26), points off turnovers (19-5) and second chance points (26-4).

“Our whole thing was when it goes up on the backboard, we’ve have to go get it, said Ford.  “I thought we pursued the ball well, and that was the difference.”

The Golden Flashes will be back in action on Saturday when they take on UAB. in the second round of the Hispanic College Fund Classic at 7:00 p.m. in the MAC Center. UAB opened the tournament with a win, 68-56, over Green Bay.  Samford and Green Bay will play the first game of the day at 5:00 p.m.

NOTES:  Kent State is now 53-41 all-time in season openers ... The Golden Flashes have won their last 13 season openers at home and improved to 34-5 when opening the season at home since joining the MAC in 1951-52.