Kent State University
3-1,0-0MAC
George Washington
2-5,0-0Atlantic 10
Flashes Advance to Naples Invitational Final
11/23/2021 8:46:00 PM | Men's Basketball
NAPLES, Fla. – The Kent State men's basketball team (3-1) advanced to the Naples Invitational Final with a 77-69 victory over George Washington (2-5) on Tuesday evening.
The Flashes await the winner of Missouri State and ETSU in the championship game on Wednesday, Nov. 24, at 8 p.m.
"This trip has been an awesome experience so far for our team," said Head Coach Rob Senderoff. "Getting to play for a championship is a great feeling for the team, and it is an important lesson as we move through our year. These two games have really tested us and that will help us down the road."
George Washington came out of the gate hot and opened with an 11-3 run to start the game. The Golden Flashes answered with their own 14-0 run behind three pointers by DJ Johnson and Jalen Sullinger off the bench. Johnson finished with nine points, the most in his KSU career, and five rebounds, and Sullinger finished with a career-high seven points.
The Flashes ended the first half on a 30-15 run and took a 33-26 lead into the locker room. After just seven combined first-half points for Sincere Carry and Malique Jacobs, the star duo poured in 25 points in the second half. Carry recorded 15 second-half points and led the Flashes with 20 points in the game. Jacobs finished the game with 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Kent State led throughout the entire second half, but the Colonials refused to quit. George Washington used a 10-0 run in the final minutes to push the score back within four. The Flashes shut the door over the final minute, holding GW to no points over the final 45 seconds en route to the semifinal victory.
It was an all-around team effort to get the win with seven different Golden Flashes recording seven or more points, including four in double figures. Giovanni Santiago finished with 12 points and three assists, while Tervell Beck added 10 points.
The Flashes shot the ball extremely well again, shooting 52 percent from the field and 43 percent from beyond the arc. The perimeter defense has held opponents to just 25 percent (11-for-44) from long range through the first two games in Naples.
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 watch the championship game of the Naples Invitational on FloHoops with a paid subscription to the streaming service. The Kent State radio broadcast will also be available for the tournament final.
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.
