Kent State University
14-12, 6-7MAC
Miami (OH)
10-16, 3-10MAC
Men's Basketball Downs Miami, 76-72
2/14/2017 10:44:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State University men's basketball team (14-12, 6-7 MAC) picked up a home win Tuesday over the Miami RedHawks (10-16, 3-10 MAC), 76-72.
"Good to get a win," said head coach Rob Senderoff. "A week ago we were playing pretty well and then we had a tough week. It's good to start off this week with a home win. It was hard fought. Miami played well against Central Michigan and they played pretty well tonight, but we played well enough. Happy to get the win and now it's time to move on to the next game."
The Golden Flashes had two 20 point scorers in the win Tuesday. Jimmy Hall led the Flashes across the board with 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks. He shot 10-for-16 overall. Jaylin Walker scored 20 points and finished the night 5-for-10 from 3-point range.
Miami controlled the first half, but the RedHawks never ran away with the game. They opened up a quick 9-2 lead and built their largest advantage of the game at 15-6 in just over seven minutes of play. Hall answered with his first field goal of the game, sparking a 9-2 run for the Flashes. Miami's Weathers brothers scored back-to-back buckets to keep Kent State from erasing the lead. Miami led the entire period and entered the break ahead, 31-26.
Kent State would be down by as much as eight points at the start of the second half, but largely controlled the period. A seven point run tied the game at 41-41, shortly followed by the Flashes' first lead of the game at 44-43 thanks to a Walker 3-pointer.
With 10 minutes remaining, the Flashes built the first double-digit lead of the night. Kent State went on a run of 19-7 that included three 3-pointers from Walker and seven points from Hall. The 5:30 minute stretch gave the Flashes a 67-57 lead with 4:50 remaining. Miami fought until the end, despite an eight point lead for Kent State with a minute remaining. With a sense of urgency, the RedHawks went on a 7-2 run within 30 seconds, and had the ball, down three, with the shot clock off. Kent State forced an errant 3-point attempt, and after a contested missed layup, Deon Edwin grabbed the rebound and iced the game with three free throws in the last five seconds.
"Big plays by Deon," noted coach Senderoff. "That's what seniors are supposed to do. They're supposed to make big plays."
Overall, the Flashes shot 41.3 percent (26-for-53) from the floor, 51.6 percent in the second half. Kent State was nearly flawless at the line, shooting 18-for-20. Miami shot 46.4 percent (26-for-56) from the floor and was held to 5-for-16 from distance. The Flashes won the turnover battle, 10-14.
"When we take care of the basketball, we play well offensively, and generally speaking, we play well defensively for the most part," Senderoff said. "We have to continue to get better, continue to play for each other and win as many games as we can in the process."
Edwin recorded 15 points and two steals, while Mitch Peterson logged 11 points and three steals.
Jalen Avery finished with a career-high six rebounds to go with three assists and a crucial second half 3-pointer.
The Flashes will hit the road for their next two games, starting with the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge game at Akron Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
