Box Score Tweet #KYSUmbb

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State University men's basketball team came up just short of a big SIAC win against Paine College, falling to the Lions 68-64 on Monday evening at the Exum Center.
 
Kentucky State (3-8, 2-3 SIAC) had a very solid first half, using three runs of six or more points to take a 35-30 lead into the locker room.
 
In the second half, Paine (9-3, 5-0 SIAC) continued their strong defense but also picked up their efficiency on the offensive end. PC connected on 52 percent of their second half field goals as a team. Trailing by seven early in the final frame, the Lions went on an 18-4 run to take a seven point lead with just over seven minutes remaining. The Thorobreds hung tough but weren't able to take back the lead and Paine held on to remain perfect in conference play.
 
Kentucky State was led by Malcolm Smith who went 9-for-13 from the floor overall and 3-for-4 from deep to finish with 21 points. Ulysses Thomas III finished with 16 points. Point guard Dorian Jordan, coming off a 10 point, 10 assist double-double against Clark Atlanta on Saturday, was once again the assist leader for KSU, tallying seven on Monday. Tim Bates added nine points, six rebounds and a pair of blocks off the bench.
 
PC's Denzel Dillingham was very aggressive on Monday, taking 24 shots from the field, 11 more than the next closest player on either team, on his way to 22 points. Dillingham also had a game-high eight rebounds. Forward Arnis Libazs caused a lot of match-up problems for the KSU big men, picking up 15 points by bullying his way to the basket all night. Forward Alfonso Davis added 13 points and four boards.
 
The Thorobreds now hit the road for a conference game against Benedict College on Thursday, Jan. 15, in Columbia, S.C. with tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.