Kent State holds on to edge Canisius 84-77

KENT, Ohio (AP) Kellon Thomas scored 17 points as Kent State held on to edge Canisius 84-77 on Saturday.

Jimmy Hall added 15 points and four rebounds for the Golden Flashes (7-2). Raasean Davis had 11 points and four rebounds and Chris Ortiz had 10 points and 10 rebounds. The team averaged 54.2 percent shooting from the field and had a 45-29 rebounding edge over Canisius.

Kent State led early and trailed only briefly late in the first half before going back on top to take a 40-36 lead at the break.

Hall struck from inside the paint to give Kent State its biggest lead, 58-48, with 11:02 to play. Jermaine Crumpton tried to close the gap for Canisius, scoring 10 points in the final 10 minutes, but the Golden Flashes held on for the win.

Crumpton led the Golden Griffins (3-6) with 25 points.