Kentucky State University men’s basketball snapped a three-game losing streak to SIAC opponents with an 81-77 victory over Spring Hill College on Monday night at the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreational Center.
The Thorobreds (8-13, 6-7) and Badgers (6-18,5-8) exchanged big shots throughout the evening as the contest featured 11 ties and seven lead changes, with neither team leading by more than six points.
With a little over four minutes remaining in the game and KSU trailing by four, the visitors made their move. Two three-point buckets by Malcolm Smith grabbed the lead and later secured it, while junior guard Dorian Jordan hit five-of-six free throws down the stretch to notch the win.
Smith continued his stretch of high-scoring performances, finishing the night with a game-high 26 points, marking his fourth consecutive game of scoring more than 20 points. The Cincinnati, Ohio native went 9-15 from the field while hitting 4-7 from beyond the arc.
Jordan, the SIAC’s leading assists man, scored 21 points and dished out a game-high eight assists.
Leading the way for Thorobreds between the blocks was junior forward William Bryant with a team-high eight rebounds, six points, and two blocks.
The Thorobreds will welcome in rival Central State University for homecoming on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Exum Center. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m.
by Eric Matthews