
KENT, Ohio – Jimmy Hall scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half and Jaylin Walker found his 3-point shooting touch in time for Kent State to post a 76-72 win over Miami Tuesday at James A. Rhodes Arena.
The Flashes made just 1 of 10 3-point tries before intermission and trailed 31-26 at the break after Miami’s Rod Mills closed the period with a trey.
While KSU didn’t exactly . . .
Walker mirrored Hall to an extent, getting the bulk of his points in the second half He nearly accounted for all of the Flashes 3-point goals, hitting 5 of 10 deep tries. Jalen Avery registered the only other Kent State triple on the night.
Joining Hall, who missed a double-double by one rebound, and Walker in double figures were Deon Edwin (15) and Mitch Peterson (11).
Miami had three players in double figures, with two of them posting double-doubles.
Michael Weathers had a team high 22 points and cashed in on 10 of 11 attempts at the charity striple. Twin brother Marcus knocked down 7 of 9 from the field on the way to 18 points and also grabbed 10 rebounds. Logan McLane registered 12 points and 10 boards.
Miami jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead and held the upper hand throughout the first period. Kent State managed to chip away and finally pulled within one point at 27-26 with 1:02 left. A Mike Weather free throw and Mill’s triple left MU with a five-point halftime advantage.
Hall wasted little time asserting himself when play resumed as he provided six of the Flashes first eight points. Edwin hit two free throws and Walker drained a three before Hall forged the game’s first tie with a basket at 13:14.
After two Mike Weathers free throws for Miami, Walker hit another triple at 12:34 to give the hosts their first lead.
Both teams enjoyed several brief leads before Walker connected on a three with 10:20 remaining. That put Kent State in front for good at 51-50 and was the beginning of a 19-7 Flashes run.
An Avery trey and Walker’s old-fashioned three point play closed out the stretch and left KSU in front 67-57 with 4:50 left
Marcus Weathers kicked off Miami’s final challenge with a slam and the RedHawks pulled to within three points (73-70) with 28 seconds remaining. When the Flashes were whistled for a end-line violation on the inbounds attempt, MU suddenly had a golden opportunity.
The RedHawks got off two shots at the other end, but neither fell. When Edwin made one of two free throws with five seconds left, it effectively sealed the win. Each team added two points in the final seconds.
Miami, coming off an upset win over Central Michigan at home Saturday, dropped to 10-16 overall (3-10 MAC) and remained winless on the road this season.
Kent State ended a two-game slide to move its record to 14-12 overall (6-7 MAC).
NEXT: Kent State faces two tough road challenges over the next week. After facing rival Akron Friday, the Flashes go to Buffalo Tuesday.
Miami visits Buffalo, which has won five straight, Saturday and entertains rival Ohio next Tuesday.