Alan Kornspan
Believeland Media
The Kent State Golden Flashes Men's basketball team hosted the visiting Miami Redhawks on Tuesday night in an exciting MAC mid-week contest.
Julius Rollins with the slam dunk in the second half of Tuesday night's game against Miami
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland)
After being down by 15 at the half, the Golden Flashes got to within two points of the lead with 14 seconds left to go in the game.
However, the Redhawks were strong at the free throw line down the stretch allowing Miami to hold off the Golden Flashes comeback attempt and claim a 71-67 victory.
In post-game comments, Kent State Men's basketball coach Rob Senderoff expressed that it is crucial to start games well.
In fact, Coach Senderoff viewed the Golden Flashes poor shooting performance to start the game and lack of scoring in the paint as a main reason for the Golden Flashes loss to the Redhawks.
“Obviously disappointed in the result, we got to play better for 40 minutes,” said Senderoff.
“The second half we did a much better job than we did to come out to start the game.”
“Gave ourselves a chance to win, but then you have to play perfect, and we had a couple mess ups late.”
“But again, the efforts there, we’re just not playing 40 minutes. That's been an issue for a while.”
In the first half the Redhawks started strong as they got out to a 26-14 lead halfway through the first half.
The Redhawks extended their lead to 15 as they took a 39-24 lead into halftime.
The Flashes did not give up.
Chris Payton Jr. with the slam dunk in the second half of Tuesday night's game against Miami
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland)
They continued to fight throughout the second half and were able to get to within nine points of the lead halfway through the second half.
And with 3:42 left in the game, Giovanni Santiago made two free throws to bring the Flashes within three points at 58-55.
Kent got to within two of the lead at 67-65 with 14 seconds left in the game. However, Miami's Darweshi Hunter was 4-4 at the free throw line in the final 14 seconds to ice the game for the Redhawks.
For the game the Golden Flashes had four players in double figures.
Jalen Sullinger had 16 points to lead Kent in Tuesday night's game against Miami
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland)
Leading the scoring for the Flashes was Jalen Sullinger (16 points), Giovanni Santiago (12), Reggie Bass (10), and VanCameron Davis (10).
Giovanni Santiago had 12 points for Kent in Tuesday night's game against Miami
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland)
The Redhawks were led by Daweshi Hunter who had 20 points. Hunter was 5-10 from the field and 8-8 from the line.
The Golden Flashes will next travel to Buffalo to take on the Bulls at 6:30pm on Friday.
Kent State Dance Team cheering for the Golden Flashes on Tuesday night against the Miami Redhawks
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland)