Kent State Tops Rochester (Mich.) 81-44 In Exhibition
Golden Flashes officially begin 2010-11 season next Friday
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State men's basketball team opened its 2010-11 season with an exhibition win, 81-44, over Rochester College (Mich.) at the M.A.C. Center Friday night.
Junior Justin Greene (Brooklyn, N.Y./Lincoln) had a double-double to pace the Golden Flashes with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore Randal Holt (Bedford, Ohio/Glenville) added 15 points to lead all scorers, while junior Carlton Guyton (Chicago, Ill./Mineral Area C.C. [Mo.]) had 13 points and seven assists in his Kent State debut. Senior Rodriquez Sherman (Indianapolis, Ind./Ben Davis) added 14 points and six rebounds to round out the four players in double figures for the Golden Flashes.
"I was pleased with our unselfishness and the way we were able to move the ball around," said Ford. "We did a great job of making the extra pass and finding the open guy."
The Warriors were able to keep the game close for the first six minutes; however, Kent State responded with a 15-0 run over the next six minutes to go up by 19. During the stretch, six different Golden Flashes scored as Justin Manns (Winston-Salem, N.C./Owens C.C. [Ohio]) led the way with four points on a dunk and another highlight reel ally-opp pass from junior Michael Porrini (Massillon, Ohio/Gulf Coast C.C. [Fla.]). The two teams traded baskets for the rest of the first half as the Flashes entered the break up 39-20.
In the second half, the Golden Flashes bolted out of the gate with an 11-2 spell that ended any hopes of a Rochester comeback. Greene had four points during the stretch while four other players scored during the span for Kent State.
"Defensively I thought we took a step forward," said Ford. "We still have a little work to do with our positioning and with guys learning where they need to be on the floor, but overall it was an improvement from the way we played in our scrimmages."
The Golden Flashes dominated in every major statistical category but it was a 10-0 advantage in fast break points that pleased Ford the most.
"One of the things we wanted to focus on tonight was stopping the other team in transition," said Ford. "We didn't allow a single fast break point so I give out guys credit for staying mentally tough and sticking to the game plan."
Marques Ewell led Rochester with nine points.
Kent State will officially get its season underway next Friday against Iona in the World Vision Classic hosted by Cleveland State. The Golden Flashes will open their home slate on November 16 against Robert Morris at 8:00 a.m.
