Kent State University
7-4
Penn State University
9-4
Late Penn State Run Leads to 75-69 Kent State Loss
12/23/2015 11:07:00 PM | Men's Basketball
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Kent State saw a six-point lead with nine minutes to play disappear before Penn State went on a decisive 14-2 run to pull out a 75-69 victory over the Golden Flashes in the consolation game of the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic at Orleans Arena on Wednesday.
"Somebody had to lose twice, and unfortunately it was us," said head coach Rob Senderoff, whose team fell to 7-4 with its second loss in as many nights. "I don't think any of our guys played to the best of their ability out there. We have to learn from this and get better in league play, which ultimately is the most important thing for us. If we learn from this, it will be a valuable trip."
Jimmy Hall scored the first seven points of the game to give the Flashes the start they were looking for after falling behind 10-2 on Tuesday against No. 18 SMU. Penn State eventually tied the game at 31-31 and later scored the final seven points of the half to lead 42-37 after 20 minutes.
Kent State fought back in the second half and regained the lead, 51-50, on a three-point shot by Chris Ortiz. The senior forward would score the Flashes' next six points as well to take a 57-51 lead with 9:06 to play.
Penn State came right back with a 14-2 run to lead 65-59 and never trailed the rest of the way.
Hall led the Flashes with 15 points and eight rebounds. Kellon Thomas added 12 points. Ortiz and Xavier Pollard contributed 11 points each off the bench.
The Golden Flashes will head to North Carolina A&T next Wednesday, December 30 to close out the calendar year.
