Kent State University
Hiram College
#StandWithKSU: Kent State Returns to the M.A.C. Center to Face Hiram
11/17/2016 10:06:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State University men's basketball team (2-0) will officially begin the 2016 Gulf Coast Showcase with a Portage County showdown against Hiram College (1-0) Friday in the M.A.C. Center.
The Flashes enter the game following an eventful Wednesday night. Prior to the Star Spangled Banner being played for Kent State's home opener against Mississippi Valley State, each of Kent State's men's basketball student-athletes chose to select a fan of a different race from the crowd to stand with them in solidarity during the national anthem. The decision to use the national anthem as a time to show solidarity in our diverse campus community was made by the team's seniors and captains, not athletic department officials. The student-athletes brought their idea to the athletic department's coaches and staff, who unanimously supported them in their decision.
Kent State students, alumni and fans are encouraged to use the hashtag #StandWithKSU to show support for the team's efforts.
When the ball tipped, the Flashes took care of business. The squad opened the home schedule with a 93-63 victory over Mississippi Valley State. Jimmy Hall led the team in points and rebounds for the second straight night, and both student sections were packed to witness it.
Friday's game is the kickoff of the Gulf Coast Showcase, in which the Flashes will head to Estero, Florida's Germain Arena for three games next week. The Flashes will travel to Fort Myers, Florida on Saturday and practice Sunday for the tournament. It will feature the Flashes in one game on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. South Dakota is the only opponent currently scheduled for Kent State. On Tuesday, the Flashes will take on either Houston or George Mason. On Wednesday, they could be pitted against Vermont, Wofford, Hofstra or Bradley.
Scouting Hiram
Hiram enters the game 1-0 after a 93-71 victory over St. Vincent. Four scorers finished in double figures, led by Kelvin Jones with 19. Last year, Hiram went 19-8 and advanced to the NCAC Semifinals. Head coach Chris Kibler is in his third year with the Terriers, with 30 years under his built.
Series History
Friday's game will be the 44th matchup in the all-time series between Hiram and Kent State, dating back to the 1915-16 season. Kent State leads the all-time series with Hiram, 20-13. However, Friday's game ends a 73-year gap in the series. The two schools have not played since the end of World War II. Kent State still has a score to settle. In their last matchup, Hiram ended an eight-game Kent State winning streak with a 43-35 win
Radio
Ty Linder and David Carducci will bring you the action on the Golden Flashes iHeartRadio channel and 640 WHLO.
