Sullinger and Gillespie Score 20 in Overtime Loss to Miami (OH)

OXFORD, Ohio – Kent State Men’s Basketball fell to the Miami University RedHawks on Friday night by a final score of 96-92. The game was a nailbiter that took overtime to decide before the Flashes found themselves on the short side. Four Flashes scored double-digits with Jalen Sullinger and Delrecco Gillespie each scoring 20.

The game was a dogfight from the opening tip with the Golden Flashes and RedHawks tied at eight by the first media timeout, then tied at 14 by 13:05. Following a timeout Sullinger hit his second three of the first half that was followed up by a pair of free throws from Cian Medley to tie the game at 23. Miami kept their foot on the gas primarily from beyond the arch to keep in front in the first half with Kent State close in sight. Despite trailing by three at the half, Kent State came out firing in the second taking the lead with a 10-4 run in first four minutes of the half. The RedHawks responded with a 14-4 run of their own to regain the lead. The game seesawed with no team eclipsing more than a five-point lead. Miami was able to utilize a late minute run to tie the game at 82 missing the go ahead shot at the buzzer. The back-and-forth continued into overtime as a RedHawk three gave a 94-92 lead with 20 seconds to play. MU added a pair on foul shots to get the win.

Gillespie led the Flashes in rebounding with 12 while scoring a career high of 20 points for his second season and career double-double. Sullinger matched him in points with 20 for double-digit game number 20 on the year. Cli’Ron Hornbeak pulled in 10 points nine rebounds just one shy of a double-double himself. Medley scored 16 for his third double-digit performance in the last four games.  

The Golden Flashes will be back in the M.A.C.C. on Tuesday, Feb. 25 against the University of Toledo. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. between the Golden Flashes and Rockets.

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