Kent State radio man Ty Linder described the games earlier in this Gulf Coast Showdown has having an optional policy regarding the playing of defense. Well that was the case for both sides of this Kent State vs South Dakota matchup as well.
The first half was littered with broken plays that would magically end up as open layups and 3-point attempts. There were also a number of times one team would simply break out in transition much quicker than the other for an easy layup. It made for exciting viewing to be sure.
For the first five minutes or so, both teams traded baskets and fouls (fouls were called on the first four possessions), until Kent State broke out to a ten point lead at 26-16 with ten minutes remaining in the first half.