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Late push not enough as Flashes drop first game of season

Related Topics: Season, Phil Whittington

Kent State started slow again Friday night, but unlike Tuesday night the Flashes weren't able to rebound, falling to Liberty, 77-70.

The Flashes (2-1) entered halftime against Liberty (3-0) with zero assists as a team. The offense struggled, with Liberty holding a 31-23 lead at halftime.

Kent State came out with a sense of urgency late in the second half, with the Flames’ lead ballooning to as much as 16. The Flashes clawed their way back, with Jalen Avery serving as an offensive catalyst, finishing with 23 points in 39 minutes. The Flashes also used a suffocating full-court press that helped cut down Liberty's 16-point lead.