Kent State University
Eastern Michigan
Defense Dominates as Flashes Fly Over EMU
2/16/2019 11:53:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio- Three Kent State players scored in double figures while shooting 61.1 percent in the second half in holding off Eastern Michigan, 71-58, on Saturday at the M.A.C. Center.
Kent State improves to 19-6 overall and 8-4 in MAC play.
Junior Antonio Williams led Kent State with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, while junior Philip Whittington recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Rounding out the double-figure scoring was senior Jaylin Walker with 15 points.
Eastern Michigan's traditional zone defense gave the Flashes some trouble in the first half as it placed a premium on the outside shooting and ball movement for Kent State. KSU struggled making just two 3-pointers and 33.3 percent of their overall field goal attempts.
However, the Flashes were able to build a 30-24 halftime lead thanks to suffocating defense that forced 10 first-half turnovers that Kent State converted into 12 points.
At the 9:28 mark, a tip-in dunk from CJ Williamson ignited a Kent State 15-0 scoring run that held the Eagles scoreless for 6:52. Whittington scored six of the 15 points while giving the Flashes a 23-22 lead, while Anthony Roberts highlighted with a 3-pointer. The Flashes jumped to a 30-22 lead before EMU scored a lone basket headed into the break.
The Flashes continued to build off their first-half run as they used a 7-0 scoring run that extended the Flashes lead to 44-28. The Eagles attempted to match Kent State's scoring with a 5-0 run of their own which cut the Flashes' lead to 63-53, but Kent State's defense held strong.
The Flashes' defense limited Eastern Michigan to only connecting on one 3-pointer for the second half as the Eagles' only shot 11.1 percent (1-of-9). For the game, Kent State forced 16 turnovers and converted 22 total points off EMU's mishandles.
Roberts and senior Akiean Frederick dished out four assists each and paced the Flashes to a 16-7 edge on assists.
Kent State returns to the court Tuesday in Mount Pleasant when the Flashes take on Central Michigan. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and to be broadcasted on ESPN+.
