KENT, Ohio — In a lopsided matchup that showcased the depth of the Kent State Golden Flashes' bench, Deandre Jones delivered a game-high 19 points off the bench to propel his team to a resounding 123-59 victory over Penn State-Shenango on Saturday night at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center.
The win improved Kent State's record to 7-1 on the season, marking their seventh consecutive victory and solidifying their strong start in non-conference play. Jones, a reserve forward, not only lit up the scoreboard but also grabbed seven rebounds, providing a spark that ignited the Golden Flashes' offense early and often. His performance came at a crucial time, as Kent State looks to build momentum heading into Mid-American Conference action later in the winter.
Delrecco Gillespie complemented Jones' effort with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. Rayvon Griffith also contributed significantly, tallying 14 points and six rebounds while leading the team with nine points in the first half alone. The Golden Flashes' balanced attack overwhelmed the Nittany Lions from the tip, as Kent State jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.
For Penn State-Shenango, the game was a tough lesson in the disparity between Division I and junior college competition. Devin Alston led all scorers for the visitors with 22 points and six rebounds, showing flashes of potential despite the final margin. Darius Williams added 13 points, but the Nittany Lions struggled to keep pace, particularly after the first half where they trailed 60-17.
The game tipped off with Kent State asserting dominance right away. According to game reports, the Golden Flashes took the lead with 19:40 remaining in the first half and maintained control throughout, building a 43-point halftime advantage that set the tone for the blowout. Griffith's hot start, including several key baskets, helped Kent State pull away decisively before the break.
Kent State's offensive efficiency was on full display, as they shot efficiently from the field and capitalized on turnovers forced by their active defense. The Golden Flashes' bench, led by Jones, outscored Penn State-Shenango's reserves by a wide margin, highlighting the depth that coach Rob Senderoff has cultivated this season. Senderoff, in post-game comments reported by the Associated Press, praised his team's focus, though specific quotes from the bench players were not immediately available.
Penn State-Shenango, a two-year campus in the Pennsylvania State University system competing at the NJCAA level, entered the game with hopes of competing against a higher-division opponent. However, the Nittany Lions found themselves overmatched, as Kent State's athleticism and size proved too much to handle. Alston's scoring outburst provided some highlights, but the team committed numerous turnovers and shot poorly from beyond the arc.
This matchup was part of Kent State's non-conference schedule, designed to test the team's readiness against varied competition. The Golden Flashes have used these games to experiment with lineups and integrate younger players, with Jones' emergence as a key contributor off the bench being a notable development. Prior to this streak, Kent State had a solid win over a regional opponent, but the 64-point margin here was their most impressive yet.
Looking back at the season so far, Kent State's 7-1 record includes victories over smaller programs, but the team has shown improvement in rebounding and transition play. Gillespie, a junior forward, has been a consistent force, averaging double figures in rebounds over the last three games. His performance against Shenango continued that trend, helping Kent State control the boards 52-28 overall.
Griffith, a sophomore guard, has been another bright spot, using his speed to create scoring opportunities. His nine first-half points came on a mix of drives and jumpers, setting a tone that the starters carried into the second half. As Kent State transitions to conference play, players like Griffith will be relied upon for consistent production.
On the Penn State-Shenango side, the loss drops their record to an unspecified mark, but it serves as a measuring stick for a program still building. Alston, a freshman standout, demonstrated why he's a player to watch, scoring his 22 points on efficient shooting. Williams, providing secondary scoring, showed promise but couldn't stem the tide alone.
The Associated Press, which compiled the game story using data from Sportradar, noted the halftime disparity as a pivotal moment. Kent State's 60-17 lead at the break allowed them to rest starters in the second half while continuing to pour it on, reaching the 123-point total with contributions from across the roster. This scoring output marks one of the highest in recent Golden Flashes history for a non-conference game.
Beyond the box score, the game offered insights into both programs' trajectories. For Kent State, the win boosts confidence and provides tape for scouting upcoming opponents in the MAC, where they'll face stiffer competition from teams like Toledo and Ohio. Senderoff's squad has emphasized defense this year, holding opponents to under 60 points in six of seven wins.
Penn State-Shenango, meanwhile, can take positives from Alston's play and use the experience to prepare for regionals. The Nittany Lions' schedule includes more balanced matchups, but facing a team like Kent State exposes areas for growth, such as perimeter defense and ball handling.
As the college basketball season progresses, games like this underscore the levels within the sport. Kent State's dominant performance positions them well for a potential postseason push, while Penn State-Shenango focuses on development. Fans in Kent can look forward to the next home game, with the Golden Flashes riding high on their winning streak.
In the broader context of Ohio college hoops, Kent State's start contrasts with mixed results from other MAC teams. Nearby rivals like Akron have had up-and-down weeks, making the Golden Flashes' consistency a standout. This victory, while against lesser opposition, adds to the narrative of a team on the rise.