Kentucky State University, men’s basketball, rode the momentum of juniors Reggie Breeden and Dorian Jordan to a 98-92 victory over Clark Atlanta University on Saturday at L. S. Ebbs Gymnasium.
“This was a big road win against one of the better teams in the conference, and it’s something we can build off of,” said head coach Jamaal Jackson. “With the layoff, we will be able to focus on a lot of our shortcomings and be ready for Saturday.”
The guard tandem combined for 62 points as Breeden led the way with a season-high 33 points and Jordan accounted for 29 points. Breeden finished the day going 11-of-17 from the field, including 9-of-9 from the free throw line and 2-of-2 from beyond the three-point line. Jordan scored eight points in the first half but caught fire scoring 21 points in the second frame.
The Thorobreds (5-9, 4-3) have won three straight against SIAC opponents and notched back-to-back road wins for the first time this season. The Panthers (9-7, 3-2) lost for only the second time in their last seven games.
KSU trailed by as much as 10 points in the opening minutes of the second half but went on a 10-0 run, elapsing only two minutes of game time, tying the score at 63 with over 14 minutes left to go in regulation. The two teams exchanged the lead three separate times before the Thorobreds took their final lead of the game at 82-81 with a little over six minutes left on the clock. The Panthers pulled as close as three in the final 10 seconds, but three free throws by Breeden sealed the win for the visiting squad.
Senior guard Malcolm Smith added 17 points and eight rebounds, marking the 16th straight game the Cincinnati, Ohio native has scored double digits. Senior forward Julius Barton finished his night with 11 points and eight boards.
KSU will host Tuskegee University on Jan. 14 for first the SIAC west division matchup of the season. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET.
by Eric Matthews