Kent State University
2-1,0-0MAC
James Madison
4-1,0-0CAA
Flashes Beat JMU, Collide With Colonials in Semifinals of Naples Invitational
11/22/2021 6:03:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent State and George Washington will tip-off at 5:30pm on Tuesday
NAPLES, Fla. – The Kent State men's basketball team (2-1) is moving on to the semifinals of the Naples Invitational with a 74-69 win over James Madison (4-1) on Monday afternoon.
The Flashes will take on the Colonials of George Washington on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., with the winner advancing to the tournament final.
Malique Jacobs led the way for the Flashes, posting a season-high 18 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. Sincere Carry scored 12 points, added a team-high eight rebounds and a team-high eight assists.
Justyn Hamilton shot the ball extremely well, going 8-for-12 from the field and scoring 16 points while grabbing seven boards.
The two teams battled back and forth all afternoon, using mini runs to jostle on the scoreboard. Kent State took a 34-26 lead into the halftime locker room. The Dukes fought back, eventually taking a 52-49 lead midway through the second half.
The Golden Flashes snatched the lead back and didn't let go down the stretch despite a late run from JMU. Sincere Carry drilled four clutch free throws in the final 24 seconds to seal the win for Kent State.
The Flashes out-rebounded JMU, 32-21, in the win. Kent State also shot an impressive 51 percent from the field, 44 percent from beyond the arc and 80 percent from the free throw line.
Scouting George Washington
The Colonials picked up a 74-63 win over Wright State to move on to the semifinals. Joe Bamisile led the way for GW with 15 points and nine rebounds. James Bishop led the Colonials in scoring against Wright State with 18 points and five boards. Ricky Lindo Jr. posted 12 points, six rebounds and a team-high six assists in the win.
The Colonials shot 47.5 percent from the field and held Wright State to just 35 percent shooting and only 13 percent from deep. George Washington led by as many as 15 midway through the second half and was in control for the majority of the game.
The 2-4 Colonials will look for their second-straight victory against the Flashes on Tuesday evening.
Follow the Flashes
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.
Fans can view the Naples Invitational on FloHoops with a paid subscription to the streaming service. The Kent State radio broadcast will also be available for the entire tournament.
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.
