For a Kent State team missing senior guard Jalen Avery, two second-half runs proved to be the difference Thursday night.
A 12-2 run midway through the half ballooned the lead to 50-39. Senior guard Jaylin Walker scored seven points during the run. Junior guard Mitch Peterson scored six of his season-high 17 points during the later 16-2 run, which eliminated any doubt. The late run gave Kent State the 75-53 lead with about three minutes left.
“Mitch stepped up big time for us,” coach Julian Sullinger said on Kent State radio. “He hit some shots early, and he kept it going.