Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational: Kent State Edges North Dakota State 53-52

In a defensive slug fest that saw both teams shoot under 35 percent, it was Kent State who made enough plays in the final minute to escape with 53-52 hard fought win.

Kris Brewer finished with 14 points, and sparked a 5-0 swing for the Flashes with a pair of free throws, and three pointer that gave Kent State a 41-39 lead with 7:54 to play.

The lead changed hands ten times, and the game was tied nine times, both teams were 3/15 from behind the three point line.

Jimmy Hall hit a pair of free throws to tie things up at 50 with 1:29 left, then gave Kent State a 52-50 lead with a tough layup just 45 seconds later.

Kory Brown would tie things back up at 52 with a layup, forcing a Kent State timeout with 21 seconds left.

Brewer worked his way to the free throw line, eventually splitting the pair, giving the Bison one last gasp with 2.2 seconds left.

Brown tried a half court heave that came up short, improving Kent State's record to 8-2 on the season.

Lawrence Alexander lead the Bison with 15 points, Dexter Werner added 13 points and 9 rebounds, though NDSU was out rebounded 46-34.  North Dakota State drops to 6-5 on the season.

Hall notched 10 rebounds, and 7 points,  Devareaux Manley added 8 points, and 6 rebounds for Kent State.

The Flashes move on to the championship round tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time, and North Dakota State will play in the consolation game at 5:00 p.m.