 KENT STATE 77, ALCORN STATE 58
The win improves Kent State to 2-0 and sets up a marquee non-conference showdown on Tuesday night against Northeast Ohio rival Cleveland State (3-0).
Three other players joined Evans in double figures for the Golden Flashes, including senior forward Justin Greene, who had 12 points and seven rebounds and senior guard Michal Porrini, who had 12 points and six assists. Sophomore guard Eric Gaines added a career high 11 points and three assists.
Marquiz Baker was the story in the first half for Alcon State (1-2). Behind the play of Baker, who finished with 29 points on 8-21 from the field and 5-13 from three, the Braves held the lead throughout the majority of the first 20 minutes. Baker had 19 of Alcorn State’s 30 points at the break, but Kent State still managed a slight 32-30 lead after Porrini found Greene underneath for an easy lay-up at the buzzer.
Much like they did in their season opening win at West Virginia on Tuesday, the Golden Flashes came out of the locker room at halftime and dominated the final 20 minutes of the game. Kent State had a plus-seven (20-13) rebound advantage in the second half while holding Alcorn State to a mere 6-24 (24 percent) from the field. The Golden Flashes, meanwhile, shot an impressive 17-29 (58.6 percent).
The turning point of the second half was a 16-2 Kent State run, which was capped off with a highlight-reel worthy dunk from Evans off a pretty feed from senior guard Carlton Guyton. Evans, who had six points during the run, gave the Golden Flashes a 52-35 lead with 13:06 remaining with his dunk. Kent State continued to make a defensive stance throughout the second half. building its lead to as much as 24 points before the final buzzer.
Kent State continues its five game home stand with the Cleveland State showdown on Tuesday night at 7:30 pm in the M.A.C. Center.
Courtesy of Kent State Athletics |
