The Golden Flashes dominated the first half, pouring in 51 points while ending the half on an impressive 19-0 run. The last time the Flashes scored 50+ points in a single half was on Jan. 27, 2021, against Bowling Green. The Flashes only allowed 16 first-half points, their lowest since surrendering just 17 points in the first half to NC Central on Nov. 17, 2008.
Kent State made highlight reel plays all night with great defense turning into high-flying dunks, three-pointers and fast-paced offense. Malique Jacobs led the way defensively with four steals including a back-to-back stretch of steals that led to multiple buckets within 20 seconds. The Flashes forced 22 turnovers on the night, 15 of those resulting in steals.
Jacobs, along with Sincere Carry, paced the Golden Flashes on offense by dropping in 14 points each. Carry has now led Kent State in scoring each of the first two games and averages 16.0 points per game this season.
VonCameron Davis and Cli'Ron Hornbeak were beasts on the boards and in the paint. Davis finished with a career-high 10 points and added a career-high 10 rebounds for his first career double-double. Hornbeak added a career-high 10 points and eight rebounds in his first extended action as a Golden Flash.
Twelve Flashes in total recorded points on the night. The last time Kent State had 12 different players score in the same game was Dec. 2, 2020, in a win over Point Park.
Next up for the Flashes is a trip to the Sunshine State as they will compete in the Naples Invitational Nov. 22-24. Their first opponent is James Madison on Monday, Nov. 22 at noon. They will play the winner/loser of George Washington and Wright State depending on their own result.