<img alt="DAVONTA JORDAN" src="https://ubbulls.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_prefix=rp_primary&image_path=/images/2020/1/24/JORDAN_20200124mbb_0501web.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong>BUFFALO, NY – </strong>Kent State's Danny Pippen went 6-of-6 from the free throw line over the final 21 seconds as the Golden Flashes held off a late Buffalo run, as UB fell to Kent State at home, 70-66. The loss snaps Buffalo's four-game winning streak.<br /> <br /> Like in past games, the Bulls had a strong second half, but struggled during the first 20 minutes of play. Buffalo had just 26 points in the first half as the Bulls turned it over 13 times. Kent State took a 33-26 lead into the break.<br /> <br /> The second half was a different story as UB came out of the locker room with much more energy. An early three pointer from senior Davonta Jordan tied the game up just four and a half minutes in at 41-41. Kent State would go on to build their lead back up to eight, but that's when the Buffalo defense really turned up the pressure, forcing back-to-back shot clock violations for the Golden Flashes. That propelled Buffalo to a 10-0 run as a three from sophomore Ronaldo Segu put the Bulls ahead, 60-58.<br /> <br /> Pippen banked in a three to beat the shot clock with 2:35 left to put Kent State back ahead, but Jordan answered with a triple with just 45 seconds left, tying the game up at 64-64. However, on the ensuing possession the Bulls were called for the shooting foul and Pippen knocked down a pair to put Kent State back ahead for good. Pippen iced the game with a perfect performance from the line.<br /> <br /> "Give Kent State credit, every time we came back, they made a big three especially a few times at the end of the shot clock," said head coach Jim Whitesell. "I thought in the first half we responded very poorly, and we weren't moving the ball. Those first four minutes of the second we did a great job and got right back in it and then it was back and forth for the rest of the night. It's a tough loss, but we have to learn from it and get ready for another big game Tuesday night."<br /> <br /> Jordan led UB in scoring as he was one of four players in double figures. He had 13 points to go along with five rebounds and six assists. That assist total gives his 463 for his career, moving him past Turner Battle for third place on Buffalo's career assist list.<br /> <br /> Sophomore Jeenathan Williams added 11 points as did junior Jayvon Graves, who chipped in five rebounds. Segu finished with 10 points and redshirt freshman LaQuill Hardnett had another strong performance off the bench with eight points and five boards.<br /> <br /> Sophomore Josh Mballa had a team-best eight rebounds, while adding four steals and a pair of blocked shots.<br /> <br /> The Bulls outrebounded Kent State 38-36, one of many statistical categories that were extremely close. Both teams made 27 field goals, eight three-pointers and had 18 turnovers. At the end it was the difference at the free throw line as Kent State went 8-of-8, while UB went just 4-of-9.<br /> <br /> Buffalo returns to action on Tuesday night when they travel to Akron. Tip off is set for 7pm.<br />
