Kent, OH (Sports Network) - Randal Holt scored 18 points to lead the Kent
State Golden Flashes to a 73-71 victory over the Fairfield Stags in the first
round of CollegeInsider.com Tournament at the M.A.C. Center.
Holt hit on a trio of 3-pointers for Kent State (21-13). Bryson Pope added 10
points while Mark Henniger and Darren Goodson grabbed 10 rebounds each.
Fairfield (19-16) was led by Derek Needham, who scored 22 points with six
rebounds and three steals but shot just 4-of-12 from beyond the arc, Coleman
Johnson managed 18 points before fouling out and Marcus Gilbert tallied 10
points. Desmond Wade was the key distributor as he dished out seven assists.
Despite shooting just 28.1 percent from the field in the first half, Kent
State carried a 36-26 lead into the break after Fairfield shot 33.3 percent
from the floor.
The Stags improved their shooting to 54.5 percent from the field in the second
half and outscored the Golden Flashes, 45-37. After Needham hit a shot from
long-range to tie the game at 71-71, Holt made alayup with three seconds left.
Needham's potential game-winner was off the mark as the Stags' second half
comeback was spoiled.
The Golden Flashes earned their edge on the boards, with a 46-34 rebounding
advantage, and at the free-throw line, where they scored 22 points compared to
just eight for Fairfield.
GAME NOTES:
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