Avery scored his 23 points on 6-of-14 (42.8 percent) shooting overall and 3-of-9 (33.3 percent) from 3-point range. Meanwhile, Philip Whittington recorded a season-high 14 points with six rebounds, followed by CJ Williamson who rounded out the Flashes' double-figure scoring with 12 points.
The Back-and-forth action continued as teams traded baskets. The Flashes used a 5-0 with just six minutes left to play in the half that put them ahead 21-20 with 4:26 left before the break. Liberty would use an 11-2 run to close the half as the Flashes trailed, 31-23.
Kent State's offense came out in the second half of the game as 47 of its points were scored in the final half. The Flashes were able to chip the Flames' early nine-point lead in the half down to four, 37-33, with the help from a 3-pointer from Avery and a jumper from Antonio Williams. Kent State's defense was able to hold Liberty scoreless for over two minutes and was able to use a 6-0 run that trimmed Liberty's lead back to single digits, 49-38.
With two minutes left to play, and down by 11, the Flashes were able to put together a late 11-2 run that brought them within five, 73-68 with 46 seconds left to play. The rally fell short as the Flames were able to come out with the 77-70 victory.
Avery highlighted the second half with 16 points and an assist, followed by Whittington who scored 10 points. The Flashes forced four turnovers in the second half and scored seven points off the takeaways. Kent State won the battle of the boards in the final half 16-14 with eight offensive rebounds.
Overall, Kent State shot 40.8 percent (20-of-49) from the floor and 26.7 percent (4-of-15) from deep. Liberty shot 51.8 percent (29-of-56) overall and 47.4 percent (9-of-19) from beyond the arc.
From the charity stripe, the Flashes went 26-of-37 (70.3 percent), while the Flames shot 10-of-13 (76.9 percent). Liberty slightly edged Kent in rebounds 31-30, but Kent grabbed a total of 10 offensive boards to Liberty's eight.
Kent State has a quick turnaround and is back in action at home Sunday, Nov. 18 at 4 p.m. to battle Alcorn State.