Kent State University
9-718-11; MAC
Miami University (OH)
5-1111-18; MAC
Walker’s 20-Point Effort in Return Not Enough in Loss at Miami
2/27/2016 5:55:00 PM | Men's Basketball
OXFORD, Ohio – A 20-point effort from freshman Jaylin Walker in his first game since January 23 was not enough as Kent State's second-half comeback fell short in a 74-65 loss at Miami University on Saturday.
The Golden Flashes trailed by 20 points with 14:21 to play, but rallied to cut the lead all the way down to six points on mulitple occasions in the game's final six minutes.
"We dug ourselves too deep a hole," said Kent State head coach Rob Senderoff, whose Flashes fell to 18-11 on the season and 9-7 in Mid-American Conference play. "For some reason, we were not ready from the start. I'm glad we came back and played better in the second half, because that's been a problem for us. But we just can't start out like that."
Walker, who missed the previous nine games with a foot injury, scored his 20 points while going 5-for-12 from three-point range in 23 minutes off the bench. Jimmy Hall added 18 points and 11 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season, while Kellon Thomas chipped in 12.
"Jaylin had just two days of practice, but he's a gamer, and that's what gamers do," said Senderoff.
Kent State trailed 30-21 at halftime after struggling to just 31-percent shooting, including 3-for-14 from beyond the arc. The Golden Flashes improved to 44 percent from the field and 40 percent from three in the second half, but it was not enough to complete the comeback.
Senderoff was able to jump start his club after drawing consecutive technical fouls and being ejected from the game at the 14:56 mark of the second half. Three foul shots and a tip-in on the ensuing possession gave Miami a 20-point lead. However, the Flashes rattled off a 10 straight point of their own to get back in the game.
Miami had five players score in double-figures. Eric Washington led the way with 16 points, while Rod Mills scored a career-high 14 points that included 4-of-6 from the three-point arc. The RedHawks were also supported by 13 points from Geovonie McKnight and 10 points each from Dion Wade and Abdoulaye Harouna.
Kent State returns to action on Tuesday night at the M.A.C. Center against Bowling Green for the final home game of the regular season. Galal Cancer, Chris Ortiz, Xavier Pollard and Khaliq Spicer will be recognized in a Senior Night ceremony prior to tip-off at 7 p.m.
