FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State University men's basketball team began their 2013-14 season with a victory over the visiting Asbury University Eagles on Friday evening. The Thorobreds (1-0) held off a late comeback attempt by Asbury (2-1) to secure their first win of the season, 71-66.

The Thorobreds went into halftime holding onto an eight point lead after both teams struggled shooting. Both teams showed signs of early season jitters as KSU shot 35% from the floor, including 2-for-10 from 3-point range, while the Eagles shot just 32%.

Kentucky State came out firing in the second half, pushing their lead to as many as 20 points in the first eight minutes. At the 12:33 mark of the second half Kentucky State's Brandon Darrett hit a jumper to put the Thorobreds ahead of the Eagles, 50-30.

The Eagles comeback was led by sophomore guard Kyle Lamb who came off the bench and scored all 16 of his points in the second half. Lamb, who played just four minutes in the first half, went 6-for-7 from the floor and 3-for-4 from the free throw line in the second half. Unfortunately for Lamb he also had two costly turnovers in the final seconds.

With just seven second left in the contest freshman guard Muhammed Cross was fouled and went to the line for a pair of free throws. After missing the first, Cross hit the second to put KSU up by three. Asbury inbounded the ball quickly with a chance to tie the game with a 3-point basket but as the Eagles were rushing to get up the floor junior forward Darrien Wilkins came up with a steal and was fouled with just two  seconds remaining.

Wilkins hit a pair of clutch free throws effectively sealing the game for the Thorobreds and giving Kentucky State a season opening victory.

Junior swingman Ulysses Thomas III led the Thorobreds offensively finishing the contest with 14 points on 6-for-13 shooting from the floor. Darrett was a difference maker on the boards pulling down a game high 13 rebounds while also picking up a double-double with 13 points.

Kentucky State will be back in action this Saturday when they travel to Central State to take on the rival Marauders. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.