Preseason all-conference guard scores 19 as Kent State takes 69-66 victory over Samford

Singletary, Kent State hold off Samford 69-66

KENT, Ohio — Chris Singletary scored 19 points to lead Kent State to a 69-66 victory over Samford on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

Singletary, a preseason All-Mid American Conference guard selection, made 9 of 10 free throws, including two with 39 seconds remaining that boosted the Golden Flashes to a 68-60 lead.

Tyree Evans and Justin Greene added 11 apiece for Kent State, which was outshot 53.5 percent to 41.3 percent by the Bulldogs, who were paced by Andy King’s 14 points.

Kent State led by 16 points, 54-38, with 10 minutes left. Samford got within five with 6:37 left before a layup by Rodriquez Sherman and a layup and dunk by Greene boosted the lead back to 11.

Both teams were playing the first of three games in three days as part of the Hispanic College Fund Classic. Host Kent State has won its past 13 home openers.