Kent State University
2-1,0-0MAC
Detroit Mercy
0-3,0-0Horizon
Pippen Scores 23 To Lead Flashes in Win Over Detroit Mercy
12/8/2020 9:50:00 PM | Men's Basketball
DETROIT, Mich.- Sparked by a 23-point performance from senior Danny Pippen, the Kent State basketball team (2-1) recorded a commanding 80-66 victory over Detroit Mercy on the road Tuesday night.
Pippen recorded a season-high 23 points on 8-of-17 from the floor and 4-of-9 from beyond the arc and grabbed seven boards. Three other Flashes scored in double-figures in the victory with senior Michael Nuga with 15 points and six rebounds, junior Gabe O'Neal scored 12 points, and senior Justyn Hamilton recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
The Titans opened the contest with an 11-3 lead over Kent State seven minutes into the game. A key stretch for the Flashes came with a 12-2 run that put Kent State ahead, 22-18. During the run, Pippen hit three-consecutive 3-pointers, followed by another trey from junior James Jordan. Kent State ended the opening half shooting 40 percent (6-of-15) from beyond the arc.
Kent State came out and extended its lead to as many as 17 points after starting the second half with a 9-2 run, but the home team hung around and chipped at the Flashes' lead. The Titans were able to spark a 7-0 run and closed KSU's lead to 54-43, but the Flashes held their lead to secure the 80-66 victory.
For the game, Kent State shot 48.3 percent (29-of-60) from the floor and went 10-of-13 (46.2 percent) from long range. The Flashes won the battle of the boards, 45-30, and had 10 offensive rebounds to the Titans' 7 resulting in10 second-chance points.
Kent State looks to build off its win on Sunday, Dec. 13 as the Flashes return home to host Northern Kentucky. Tip time between is scheduled for 2 p.m.
