Kent State University
North Carolina A&T State University
Flashes Set for Afternoon Road Contest at North Carolina A&T Wednesday
12/30/2015 3:36:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Game Notes    Video (fee)       Audio
Kent State (7-4) looks to end the 2015 calendar year on a high note as it takes on North Carolina A&T (5-9) at the Corbett Sports Center in Greensboro, N.C. on Wednesday afternoon. The game, which is part of a men-women doubleheader for the host Aggies, is scheduled for 4 p.m.
The Golden Flashes look to bounce back from a pair of losses to quality foes a week ago at the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic. After falling to #18 SMU (11-0), 90-74, in the opening game of the tournament, the Flashes fell to Penn State (9-4) in the consolation in game, 75-69. Forward Jimmy Hall posted a team-high 14.0 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per game as he was named to the all-tournament team. Guards Jaylin Walker (12.0 ppg), Xavier Pollard (10.0 ppg) and Kellon Thomas (10.0 ppg) also averaged in double-figures for the Flashes. Rebounding and turnovers—two strengths for Kent State entering the tournament—played a big role in the defeats. The Flashes were outrebounded 80-59, including 27-16 on the offensive glass, over the two games. They also committed 29 turnovers despite averaging just 10.0 turnovers over the first none games of the season.
The frontcourt of Jimmy Hall (15.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Khaliq Spicer (7.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Chris Ortiz (7.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg) has helped Kent State control play around the basket. The Flashes own a +5.3 rebounding advantage while outscoring opponents 34.4-25.8 in the paint and 14.0-9.8 on second chance opportunities.
Scouting North Carolina A&T
After losing its first seven games of the season, North Carolina A&T has won five of its last seven contests. The Aggies are 0-2 against the MAC with losses to Buffalo (86-68) and Toledo (95-62).
Bruce Beckford does a little bit of everything for North Carolina A&T and leads the team in scoring (16.4 ppg), rebounding (7.7 rpg) and steals (13). The 6'7" forward can step away from the basket and is 17-for-42 from the three-point line (40.5%) on the season. Guard Sam Hunt (13.8 ppg) and forward Joshea Singleton (9.1 ppg) have also shown the ability to put the ball in the basket for the Aggies.
Series History
• Kent State is 1-0 all-time vs. North Carolina A&T.
• The Golden Flashes defeated the Aggies, 71-57, at the M.A.C. Center in Kent last season in the only prior matchup between the schools.
• The Flashes are 9-2 all-time vs. schools currently in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
FLASHback to Last Meeting
• Kent State pulled away late for a 71-57 victory over North Carolina A&T on Friday night at the M.A.C. Center on December 19, 2014.
• The Flashes held a 32-25 lead at halftime and were up by only five points with 4:48 remaining before scoring seven straight as part of a 15-4 run for the largest lead of the night at 69-53 with under a minute remaining.
• Kent State's defensive pressure gave the Aggies trouble and resulted in 23 North Carolina A&T turnovers and a 29-9 edge in points off turnovers.
• Devareaux Manley hit seven three-pointers en route to a game-high 24 points.
•  Kris Brewer was the only other Flash in double-figures with11points. Derek Jackson displayed a good overall floor game with seven points, six assists and four steals.
• North Carolina A&T was led by Khary Doby's 16 points. Arturs Bremers and Bruce Beckford added 14 points and 11 points, respectively.
TV / Radio
Ty Linder will bring you the action on the Golden Flashes iHeartRadio channel and 640 WHLO.
Next Up For Kent State
The Golden Flashes conclude the non-conference season against Oberlin on Saturday, January 2 at the M.A.C. Center.
