Kent State University
8-1
UC Irvine
6-5
Turnovers Costly in Loss to UC Irvine
12/16/2019 9:45:00 PM | Men's Basketball
EL Paso, Texas- The Kent State men's basketball team dropped the opening game of the 58th Annual WestStar Bank Sun Bowl Invite to UC Irvine, 74-68 on Monday night in West Texas.
UC Irvine started off the game with an 8-2 run and took an early 12-2 lead. The Flashes were forced to play from behind for the entirety of the game. The Flashes used an 8-0 run fueled by back-to-back buckets from senior Troy Simons that cut the deficit to 24-22, the Flashes' closest margin.
Kent State committed a season-high 19 turnovers in the game with 14 happening in the first half. The Anteaters were able to score 23 points off the Flashes' miscues. UC Irvine out-rebounded the Flashes, 35-32, leading to 14 second-chance points.
Kent State had three players score in double-figures with junior Danny Pippen leading the way with 15 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. Senior Troy Simons scored 13 points and dished out four assists, while senior CJ Williamson rounded out the double-digits with 12 points and eight boards.
Kent State will close out the invite tomorrow night at 7 p.m. eastern as they take on the loser of the UTEP/ NC A&T game.
