Kent State University
7-3,4-2MAC
University at Buffalo
5-5,3-3MAC
Flashes Hold Off Late Buffalo Comeback For Fourth Straight Victory
1/19/2021 8:49:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio- After seeing a 21-point lead dwindle in the second half, the Kent State men's basketball team (7-3, 4-2 MAC) used some clutch free throw shooting and a key defensive stop to hold off Buffalo, 84-81, at the M.A.C. Center on Tuesday night.
Senior Michael Nuga led the charge with a game-high 23 points, three rebounds, and three steals. Senior Justyn Hamilton added 16 points, while senior Tervell Beck finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and an assist.
After leading 47-26 at halftime, the Flashes trailed 81-75 with just two minutes left to play in the game. Hamilton nailed a jumper to spark KSU's offense in the final minute and a half before junior Malique Jacobs would come away with a defensive rebound that he would get fouled on sending him to the line to shoot two, making both.
With the Flashes down by two with 1:16 left to play, Jacobs came up with a steal that led to a layup by Nuga that tied the game 81-81. Buffalo had a chance with a go-ahead three but missed. Nuga was sent to the charity stripe and made 3 of his 4 free throws in the final 14 seconds and secured the 84-81 victory.
Buffalo came out of the break and ripped off a 20-4 run that closed the Flashes' lead to 51-46 with 14:15 left to play. The Bulls capped off another scoring run that gave Buffalo its first lead of the game, 61-59. Kent State would hold the Bulls to a single-digit lead before the Flashes went on a 6-0 run that tied the game at 81 en route to the victory.
For the game, Kent State shot 44.6 percent (29-65) from the floor and 36.4 percent (4-11) from long range. The Flashes forced 15 Buffalo turnovers and capitalized on 21 points off turnovers. Buffalo slightly edged KSU in the battle of the boards, 41-37, but the Flashes scored 18-second chance points off 13 offensive rebounds.
Kent State is back in action as the Flashes close out the series with Toledo on Saturday, Jan. 23 at Savage Arena. Tip time is scheduled for noon.
