Kent State University
Xavier
Golden Flashes Open Season in Primetime Friday Night Matchup at Xavier
11/11/2021 1:42:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State men's basketball team tips off its 2021-22 season on the road at Xavier on Friday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. inside the Cintas Center.Â
The Golden Flashes have won 13-straight regular season openers, including 10 in a row under Head Coach Rob Senderoff. The Flashes will have a tough task ahead, looking to knock off the Muskateers for the first time since 1989.
"It is a great opportunity for our team," said Senderoff. "Xavier is one of the top teams in the Big East. It is a great environment for our players to play in, and I am really excited to start the season down there and give our guys a great opportunity for a big-time matchup."
Kent State finished 15-8 (12-6) in the Mid-American Conference a season ago. Despite losing the team's two highest scorers, the Golden Flashes return four players with 14 or more starts last season led by Giovanni Santiago. The redshirt sophomore point guard started all 23 games a year ago while leading the team in minutes played and assists. Malique Jacobs, a member of the 2020-21 All-MAC Defensive Team, also returns for Coach Senderoff. Jacobs ranked second in the MAC in steals (45) and 10th in the league in blocks (15).Â
Justyn Hamilton and Tervell Beck round out the returners, each of them averaging 25+ minutes per game last season. Hamilton was second on the team with 6.8 rebounds per game, while Beck was third on the team with 11.7 points per game. Sincere Carry is a newcomer to keep an eye on, transferring from Duquesne after two seasons. He was named to the preseason all-MAC Second Team. The Solon, Ohio, native started all 58 games for the Dukes and averaged 5.5 assists per game. Carry was named to the 2018-19 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team after his standout freshman season.
Xavier is led by fifth-year senior Paul Scruggs. Scruggs led the way for the Muskateers in their season opener with 17 points, six assists and five rebounds in a 63-60 win over Niagara. Scruggs is one of 20 Watch List candidates for the 2021-22 Bob Cousy Award for the nation's best point guard. He was named to the preseason all-BIG EAST first team.Â
The Muskateers will be without their leading scorer from a season ago, Zach Freemantle. Freemantle was also named to the preseason all-BIG EAST first team but will be out for the game against the Flashes with an injury.
Follow the Flashes
Kent State and Xavier will battle on FS1 and fans can listen to the game here. For more information on the men's basketball team, follow Kent State Men's Basketball on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and visit kentstatesports.com for additional updates.Â
It's the month of giving for the athletic department, and fans can donate to Kent State Basketball's fund. For hospitality or donation information, please call The Golden Flashes Club at 330-672-2078.Â
Tickets for the 2021-22 season are on sale now. For questions regarding ticket information, email athletictickets@kent.edu or call 330-672-4455.Â
