Kent State University
1-1,0-0MAC
University of Virginia
3-1,0-0ACC
Flashes Fall Short Against No. 15 Virginia in Overtime Thriller
12/4/2020 8:59:00 PM | Men's Basketball
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.- Senior Danny Pippen sank a deep three with .4 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime, but the Kent State men's basketball team (1-1) was defeated 71-64 by No. 15 Virginia Friday evening at John Paul Jones Arena.
Virginia's Houser scored the Cavalier's first five points of the extra period as UVA kept KSU scoreless until the final minute.
Three players finished in double-figures for the Flashes. Mike Nuga led the way with 20 points and six rebounds, while Pippen and Hamilton finished with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The Cavaliers opened their largest lead of 33-24 in the second half, but the Flashes started making shots and quickly closed the gap. Kent State used a 9-2 run that put the Flashes within 35-33 fueled by a three from Nuga and a pair of baskets from Hamilton. A basket from Pippen gave Kent State its first lead since the opening minute, 38-37.
The lead went back and forth the rest of the way as neither team led by more than four until overtime.
Kent State finished the game shooting 39-7 percent (25-of-63) from the floor and 28.1 percent (9-of-32) from beyond the arc. The Flashes edged the Cavaliers 28-24 in points in the paint and 9-7 in second-chance points. Kent State edged UVA 10-5 in offensive rebounds.
The Flashes will hit the road and travel to Detroit as they take on Detroit Mercy on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Tip time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
