ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – Kent State Men's Basketball (23-10) tallied their first postseason win since the 2014-15 season on Tuesday night defeating St. Bonaventure University by a final score of 75-56. Four Flashes scored double-digits and Cli'Ron Hornbeak and Delrecco Gillespie tallied double-doubles.
The Bonnies opened the game on a 12-2 run before Kent State began to find some rhythm. The Flashes kept in tow trailing by just nine at the third media timeout. Utilizing great defense as is their staple, the Golden Flashes closed the game to two points with an 8-1 run. Delrecco Gillespie began to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor as the Blue and Gold tied the game at 24, before a Jamal Sumlin three gave Kent State their first lead of the game. After taking a one-point lead into the break. The Flashes came out firing in the second with Jalen Sullinger and VonCameron Davis each heating up from behind the arch. Kent State built their lead to 17 with just under nine left to play following a Marquis Barnett three. With just under five minutes to play the Flashes extended the lead to 21 as the Bonnie faithful headed for the exits. The Flashes ultimately won by 19 points by all zeros.
The historic win saw Hornbeak score 11 with 12 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Gillespie scored 12 with 10 rebounds for his fourth of the season. With the win Kent State tallied their first win in the National Invitation Tournament since March of 2011 when they bested Saint Mary's and Fairfield. The win also marks the first postseason win for the Golden Flashes since the 2015 CIT when they beat Middle Tennessee State and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Kent State now moves on to the second round on the road against Stanford University. The Golden Flashes and Cardinal will tipoff on Sunday, March 23 at a time to be determined.
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