Kent State University
10-10, 4-3MAC
Ball State University
12-8, 3-4MAC
Flashes Persevere in Overtime
1/23/2018 10:15:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – Kent State found itself in yet another down-to-the-wire finish at the M.A.C. Center, outlasting Ball State 88-80 in overtime Tuesday night. Six Golden Flashes scored in double figures led by Kevin Zabo's 21 points.
"It was a great win for us," Head Coach Rob Senderoff said. "We gutted out a win with a number of guys making huge plays."
Those huge plays included a tip-in by Adonis De La Rosa with 29 seconds left in regulation to put the Flashes up by three (71-68).
The Cardinals responded with a three-pointer by Tayler Persons to force the extra period.
Ball State took a 75-74 lead in overtime, before Danny Pippen sank a jumper with the shot clock running down. The bucket by Pippen gave the Flashes the lead for good as a Desmond Ridenour steal soon followed and led to a fast break layup by Jalen Avery.
The Flashes closed out OT by going 6-for-6 on free throw attempts by Pippen, Zabo and De La Rosa. Pippen finished the game with 11 points, a career-high 16 rebounds and three blocks.
"Danny was flying all over the place tonight, getting all those rebounds, blocking shots and diving on the floor for loose balls," Senderoff said.
De La Rosa totaled 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting and added eight rebounds. Jaylin Walker buried three shots from behind the arc, finishing with 17 points and seven rebounds. BJ Duling came off the bench for 10 points.
Kent State (10-10) extended its home winning streak to five games, while improving to 4-3 in Mid-American Conference play. Ball State dropped to 12-8 and 3-4 in the MAC.
The Flashes return to action Saturday, visiting Central Michigan at 4:30 p.m.
