Kent State University
0-1,0-0MAC
Xavier
2-0,0-0Big East
Flashes Drop Season Opener to Musketeers
11/12/2021 9:42:00 PM | Men's Basketball
CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Kent State men's basketball team (0-1) dropped its season opener against Xavier (2-0) on Friday night at the Cintas Center.
Despite the hard-fought battle from the Golden Flashes, the team dropped its first season opener since the 2007-08 season.
"We played a really good team and we competed for a long time," said Head Coach Rob Senderoff. "We have got to get better on the glass. We have got to get better finishing at the rim. It is the first game in a long season, and we will continue to get better from this."
The Flashes jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead on the back of Sincere Carry and held the lead into the halftime locker room, 36-31. Justyn Hamilton tallied 11 first-half points to lead Kent State with Carry adding nine in the opening period.
Kent State led for the first 28 minutes of the game before the Musketeers finally stormed back.
Paul Scruggs scored 23 points for Xavier to lead the Musketeers. Colby Jones added 19 points and eight rebounds.
The Musketeers ended the game on a 26-9 run to pick up the 73-59 victory. Xavier outrebounded the Golden Flashes 45-28, outscored the Flashes 30-16 in the paint and scored 18 second-chance points.
Three Golden Flashes finished the game with double digits led by Carry who finished with 18 points. Hamilton added 13 points and Giovanni Santiago scored 10 points. Malique Jacobs led the squad in rebounds, pulling down nine boards.
Follow the Flashes
Kent State will be back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 16, for its home opener against Oberlin College. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. inside the M.A.C. Center.
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.
Tickets for the 2021-22 season are on sale now. For questions regarding ticket information, email athletictickets@kent.edu or call 330-672-4455.
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.
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