In its third straight game away from home, Kent State men’s basketball (5-2) took down New Jersey Institute of Technology (5-4), 80-75.

“This was a great team win against a tough team with a great home court,” coach Rob Senderoff said. “We showed tremendous heart and toughness in the second half.”

“In the first half, they took it to us. In the second half, I thought we took the game to them. We blocked shots, got steals, made big shots and got big rebounds. I thought we played Kent State basketball.”

Junior guard Kellon Thomas led the way for the Flashes with a career-high of 22 points and six assists. This is the second consecutive game that a player has scored a career-high.

“Kellon made some huge shots and played great,” Senderoff said. “I’m really proud of him. He came up big when we needed him tonight.”

Junior forward Jimmy Hall continued to show his all around ability in the game with 17 points, six rebounds, five assist and three blocks and made a multitude of key plays finding Thomas open for three-point shots.

Hall and Thomas were two of four players, guards senior Xavier Pollard and freshman Jaylin Walker had 15 each, to score at least 15 points in the game.

“When you go on the road, everybody has to contribute,” Senderoff said. “I thought that everybody who got in the game tonight found a way to contribute while they were on the floor.”

Junior forward Tim Coleman led the way for the Highlanders with 20 points standout junior guard Damon Lynn was held to just 14 points on 5-of-17 shooting, 4-of-15 from three.

“I thought we did a great job, especially in the second half making it difficult for him to get good looks,” Senderoff said. “He’s a very good player and is going to make some shots, but I thought we did a really good job of contesting them.”

The Flashes will return home on Thursday, December 10 to take part in the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic. Their first game will be against the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Tip-off is at 7 pm at the M.A.C.C.

Stephen Means is a sports reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].