 UTAH STATE 81, KENT STATE 62 For the first time all season Kent State was outscored in the second half as Utah State shot 64 percent (12-25) in the second period and 56.6 (30-53) for the game. The Golden Flashes never really got going after falling behind early, making just one of their first six shots. Kent State finished the first half shooting 29.4 percent (10-34) including 0-9 from three.
Things went a little better from beyond the arc in the second half, when the Golden Flashes made 5-of-15, including 3-of-5 from freshman Devareaux Manley. But it wasn’t enough for Kent State, which committed a season low eight turnovers.
Sophomore Mark Henniger was the only player in double figures for the Golden Flashes. He registered career highs of 11 points and five rebounds, which all came on the offensive end. Manley, senior guard Michael Porrini and senior guard Carlton Guyton each had nine points.
Senior forward Justin Greene had six points and five rebounds against the Aggies and was named to the All-Tournament team after averaging 12 points and 8.3 rebounds for the three games.
The Aggies improved to 200-14 at home in the last 14 years with the win and were led by Kyisean Reed with 27 points on 12-of-13 from the field.
“Not sure we will be looking to come back to Utah anytime soon.” said Kent State head coach Rob Senderoff. “Utah State is very, very good, and we are just not where we need to be as a team right now. We got to find a way to get back to where we need to be. They deserve a lot of credit. They played well and have been all three games this week. We have to go back home and regroup now and hopefully get better after the holiday.”
Kent State will wrap-up a six game swing away from home after the Christmas holiday with a game at Arkansas State on Dec. 29.
Courtesy of Kent State Athletics |
