Kent State University
10-11,3-6MAC
Miami University (OH)
11-10,5-4MAC
Flashes Fall to RedHawks
1/30/2024 10:56:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, OH - The Kent State men's basketball team (10-11, 3-6 MAC) returned to action Tuesday night (Jan. 30), and was defeated by Miami of Ohio (11-10, 5-4 MAC), 67-71, inside the M.A.C. Center.
Overall, the Flashes shot 31 percent from the field, 73.3 percent from the charity stripe, and struggled only shooting 27.3 percent from the three. The RedHawks outshot the Flashes shooting 46.3 percent from the field, 29.3 percent from the three, and 84.2 percent from the line. The Flashes were able to get 36 rebounds but struggled as the RedHawks forced the Flashes to 13 turnovers.
Individually, Giovanni Santiago finished the game with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists, and Jalen Sullinger ended with a team-high 16 points. Chris Payton Jr. led defensively with seven rebounds, two assists and steals. VonCameron Davis and Reggie Bass also contributed with 10 points each. Miami senior, Darweshi Hunter, posted a game-high 20 points to help seal their victory.
The RedHawks opened the contest with a 7-0 run less than two minutes into the game. With a three from Mike Belkeja and a three from Jalen Sullinger, the Flashes cut Miami's lead 11-8. Miami instantly answered with a pair of free throws from Darweshi Hunter the RedHawks took its first double-digit lead 18-8. The Flashes continued to struggle recording eight turnovers and not a single two-point field goal in the first half. Miami turned those eight turnovers into points and recorded 22 points in the paint.
The Flashes seemed to pick up their momentum slowly cutting Miami's lead. Sullinger hit a three following a layup from Santiago making the score 44-33. The Flashes made it a five-point game after back-to-back threes from Santiago with only eight minutes left. Miami was able to go on a four-point run and never allowed the Flashes to take the lead. With 3:42 on the game clock, Kent State closed within three at 58-55. Unfortunately, the Flashes were unable to capitalize at the free throw line and Miami's Hunter buried a triple to stretch their lead to 61-55 with less than three minutes left to play. The Flashes ran into foul trouble and Hunter was able to seal their victory with four points at the line.
.
Follow the Flashes
Next up, the Golden Flashes will hit the road to face Buffalo on Friday, Feb 2, at 6:30 p.m. on national TV. The game can be watched on CBS Sports Network. Tickets for the 2023-24 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.
