NCAA college basketball I Kent State perseveres when it matters to close out Niagara

Kent State’s Morgan Safford, left, handles the ball as Auburn’s Denver Jones defends on Nov. 13 in Auburn, Alabama.

KENT — Kent State’s perseverance was tested on a night when a comfortable win appeared in the cards.

Leaving the MAC Center with a win, period, prompted a sigh of relief from coach Rob Senderoff and his players after they held off Niagara for a 76-73 nonleague victory Thursday.

Kent State (3-1) led by 19 at one point in the first half. Fast forward to the final seconds when Niagara’s Justice Smith attempted game-tying heave from half court.

It bounced off the glass.

Whew.

Kent State forward VonCameron Davis (1) takes a jump shot against Auburn on Nov. 13 in Auburn, Alabama.

“I’m obviously happy we got the win,” Senderoff said. “Probably a little closer than we would have liked, but you know what? When those games get tight, the other team finds a way to squeak it out.

“We made the plays we needed down the stretch to get it done. It’s good to get this one, learn from it and be able to move forward and continue to grow as a team.”

This is not the same Kent State team that went through an up-and-down 2023-24 regular season before charging to the Mid-American Conference championship game.

The starting backcourt features former Miami RedHawk Morgan Safford and Cian Medley, a transfer from Saint Louis. Transfers Anthony Morales (Boston University) and Marquis Barnett (Presbyterian) come off the bench.

If you add returning veterans VonCameron Davis, Cli’ron Hornbeak and Jalen Sullinger, Kent State has an experienced team capable of persevering when it matters.

Kent State’s Jalen Sullinger (13) dribbles past Auburn’s Miles Kelly on Nov. 13 in Auburn, Alabama.

“A lot of us have played a lot of basketball,” Safford said. ” … We were there two weeks ago against Louisiana, and I think our experience and toughness help us close out close games.”

Safford made 5 of 6 free throws in the waning minutes to help the Flashes maintain their lead. He finished with a team-high 17…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa-college-basketball-kent-state-110533841.html

Author : Akron Beacon Journal

Publish date : 2024-11-22 11:05:00

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