Sincere Carry's 20 points lead Kent State men's basketball past Northern Kentucky
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY. — Reigning Mid-American Conference player of the year Sincere Carry picked up where he left off for Kent State, scoring a game-high 20 points to go along with seven assists to lead Kent State past Northern Kentucky, 79-57, in the season opener for both teams on Monday night.
The Golden Flashes, the preseason pick to win the Mid-American Conference, pulled away from a 35-29 halftime lead on the strength of 54.5% shooting (30-of-55). Miryne Thomas, in his first game for Kent State after transferring from Ball State, added 11 points and five rebounds, while VonCameron Davis and Jalen Sullinger came off the bench to score 10 points apiece.
Cliron Hornbeak had 13 rebounds for the Golden Flashes, who shot 54.2% (13-for-24) from 3-point range but just 37.5% (6-for-16) at the foul line.
Trvon Faulkner led Northern Kentucky of the Horizon League with 13 points, while Sam Vinson added 12. Chris Brandon finished with a game-high 17 rebounds.
Kent State opened the game with a 15-3 lead and still led by 10 (24-14) on a layup by Carry with 7:12 remaining in the first half.
The Norse closed to within six points by halftime and three (35-32) in the opening minute of the second half, but Kent State went on an 11-0 run to open a 46-32 lead with 15:33 on a Davis basket.
The Golden Flashes' lead ballooned to 20 (55-35) midway through the second half and Northern Kentucky never got closer.
Kent State plays host to Baldwin Wallace on Thursday at 5 p.m. in the home opener. That game precedes the KSU women's contest against Florida State at the M.A.C. Center.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Kent State men's basketball defeats Northern Kentucky in first game
