The Flashes (3-3) were led by 13 points and three rebounds apiece from Jaylin Walker and Akiean Frederick. Frederick shot 6-for-10 from the floor, while Walker nailed a trio of 3-pointers.
Jalen Avery was . . .
The Flashes played a close first half against the Ramblers, holding their potent offense to 31 points, 43 percent shooting and two free throw attempts.
From there, Loyola (7-0) began to heat up from deep, sparking a 7-0 run that tied the game at 23 all. Kent State scored five quick points, but more 3's from the Ramblers kept them from making a serious run. With Kent State ahead in the final minute of the half, Loyola hit a 3-pointer and followed up with a runner at the buzzer to go up at the break, 31-30.
Loyola took over the game at the start of the second half with red hot shooting, making nine of their first 11 shots of the half. Including the final minute of the first half, the Ramblers ripped off a 25-10 run that game them the lead for the remainder of the game.
The Flashes brought the game to within seven points at 54-47 with 10 minutes left, but could not get any closer. Loyola outscored Kent State, 17-6, over the next seven minutes to put the game out of reach.
Overall, Kent State shot 36.2 percent (21-for-58) and 36.4 percent (8-for-22) from 3-point range. Loyola finished at 50.9 percent (27-for-53) overall, 54.5 percent (12-for-22) from deep. Kent State committed just eight turnovers to Loyola's 15.
Adonis De La Rosa finished with 10 points on 3-for-5 shooting and four rebounds. BJ Duling added seven points and four rebounds, while Kevin Zabo recorded five points and three assists.
The Flashes will conclude its current road trip on Wednesday at Norfolk State at 7 p.m.
(Courtesy of KSU Athletics)