Kent State men’s basketball struggles late in loss to Charleston

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KENT — A couple of second-half runs doomed the Kent State men’s basketball team on Sunday evening.

The College of Charleston, with the help of its 3-point shooting, defeated the Golden Flashes 84-78. The Cougars (3-3) became the first team to score score more than 80 points this season against the Golden Flashes (4-3).

Reyne Smith scored 21 points and Frankie Policelli added 16 to lead Charleston. They combined for nine of the Cougars 13 3-pointers.

“They made a ton of winning plays when they needed to, and they’re a tough team,” coach Rob Senderoff said. “There are a lot of championship-level players on their roster, and they competed that way, especially down the stretch.”

The Cougars (3-3) entered the game shooting 24% from behind the arc, but shot 6-of-14 from 3 in the first half on their way to shooting 13-of-32 on 3s.

“We didn’t do what we needed to take away 3s,” Senderoff said. “We have to get better to win games like this; our schedule is not easy.

“All the games we’re playing this season are going to be similar to Charleston.”

After a 20-12 run in the final eight minutes of the half, KSU led 41-35.

However, to start the second half, the Cougars hit five 3-pointers to fuel a 17-0 run, taking a 52-41 lead.

“We didn’t come out with a great mindset,” Senderoff said. “They got out in transition, and we didn’t get to shooters.”

The Golden Flashes responded by making four of their next five shots, cutting the deficit to  54-52.

“Teams will go on runs throughout the game,” junior guard Jalen Sullinger said. “It’s how you respond. And I think we responded the right way.”

Kent State guard Jalen Sullinger, in action earlier this season vs. Malone, scored 23 points Sunday.

There were three lead changes during the second half, and the game was tied four times.

The Cougars went on a 12-4 run, scoring all points from the free throw line or in the paint, to take a 66-56 lead with nine minutes left.

Led by Sullinger, who scored a game-high 23 points, the…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/play-better-kent-state-mens-043859333.html

Author : Akron Beacon Journal

Publish date : 2023-11-27 04:38:59

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