By Thomas Sheard III
Thorobred News
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky State men’s basketball team erased a 19 point deficit to defeat Spring Hill 105-95 on senior night at the William Exum Center.
Lavar Miller Jr. led the Thorobreds with 30 points, shooting 100% from the free-throw line and sinking six three-pointers. Gregory Melvin recorded a double-double with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Ogien Ayo contributed 12 rebounds and 10 points. Aziel Blackwell added 19 points, making six field goals and going 6-of-7 from the line.
Spring Hill controlled the early minutes, building a 33-17 lead early in the first half. Kentucky State slowly chipped away, with Melvin hitting three of four free throws in the final minute to close the gap to 52-46 at halftime.
The Thorobreds came out strong in the second half, with Melvin throwing down a dunk to cut the deficit to one. Blackwell then converted two free throws to give Kentucky State a 57-56 lead midway through the half.
Ayo’s second-chance layup extended the lead to 89-77 with a few minutes left to play. Miller then drilled a fast-break three-pointer, keeping Spring Hill behind as Kentucky State pushed ahead 94-84.
Miller sealed the victory by making both free throws in the final moments, securing a 105-95 win for the Thorobreds.
Kentucky State will finish the regular season on the road, beginning with a matchup against rival Central State on Saturday, Feb. 22.
