Kent State University
15-6,12-5MAC
Miami University (OH)
11-10,8-8MAC
Second-Half Defense Leads to Flashes Win Over Miami
2/27/2021 7:05:00 PM | Men's Basketball
OXFORD, Ohio- The Kent State men's basketball team (15-6, 12-5 MAC) held the Miami RedHawks to just six points in the final 11 minutes of the game en route to a 64-51 victory at Millett Hall on Saturday Evening.
Kent State was led by its three bigs who all scored in double-figures with Tervell Beck leading the way with his first double-double of the season with a career-high 19 points and 11 rebounds. Danny Pippen notched his ninth double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Justyn Hamilton rounded out the double-figures 14 points and seven rebounds.
The RedHawks jumped out to a 7-3 lead after using a 5-0 run over the opening four minutes.
5-0 run Miami took a 7-3 lead. Kent State tied the game at 12 all after a 5-0 spurt, followed by taking an 18-15 lead after a Pippen three put the good guys ahead for the first time in the game. Miami regained the lead, 27-26, with two minutes before the break after a 7-0 run, but the Flashes quickly answered back. The Flashes finished the opening half with a 10-2 run that sent Kent State into the locker room with a 36-29 advantage.
The RedHawks scored the first six points of the second half, but baskets from Pippen and Beck ignited the Flashes' offense. An 8-2 run gave the Flashes their largest lead of the night at 62-46 with 4:53 left. Miami hit a 3-pointer with 4:34 remaining to cut the Flashes' lead to 12, but that would be the RedHawks' last basket of the game as Kent State held the RedHawks scoreless for the final four minutes.
Kent State outrebounded Miami, 45-27, and grabbed 13 offensive boards to the RedHawks six, while scoring 20 second chance points. The Flashes dominated the paint and scored 34 points.
For the game, Kent State shot 44.1 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from long range, while holding Miami to 34.5 percent shooting from the floor.
The Flashes return for their last home game of the regular season on Tuesday night as Kent State will face Ohio. Tuesday's game will honor Kent State's three seniors. Tip time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
