AKRON, Ohio -- Jaylin Walker and Adonis De La Rosa scored 20 points apiece as Kent State beat Youngstown State 111-78 in a season opener for both teams Saturday night.
Jalen Avery added 14 points with eight rebounds and five assists for Golden Flashes. Danny Pippen had 13 points and eight rebounds and Desmond Ridenour chipped in 12 points. Kent State averaged 55 percent shooting overall -- compared to 38 percent for YSU -- and had a 57-41 rebounding edge.
Kent State had a 46-41 edge at the break but pulled away in the second half on a 16-8 run capped by a Pippen dunk to take a 62-49 lead early in the period.