The Kentucky State University men's basketball team travels to Canton, OH to face Malone University in non-conference action 4 p.m. Saturday. (Game Notes)

THE TEAMS: Kentucky State evened its record at 1-1 with a 73-65 victory over Wilberforce in the home opener Tuesday. The Thorobreds held a 40-17 lead at halftime, while holding the Bulldogs to just 20 percent shooting from the floor.

Malone is still looking for its first victory of the season after dropping a pair of games in the G-MAC/GLVC Crossover in Springfield, IL. The Pioneers fell to Illinois Springfield, 81-70, and to Southern Indiana, 74-71. 

THE COACHES: Jamaal Jackson is in his third season at the helm of his alma mater. The Thorobreds are 19-37 under Jackson. Kentucky State has been one of the top scoring teams in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference under Jackson. He came to KSU following a stint at Bluefield State College, where he led them to increased win totals in every season. The same can be said about his tenure at Stillman, where the Tigers improved upon their win totals.

Casey Kaufman is in his fourth season as the Malone University head coach. He led the Pioneers to a 19-10 mark last season, and the 19 victories are the most wins since the 2007-08 campaign. His teams have improved their win total in each of the last two seasons while qualifying for the G-MAC tournament.

THE PLAYERS: The Thorobreds are led by senior forward Kevin Hayes, who is averaging 22.5 points per game and shooting a robust 59 percent from the floor. Senior guard Ditalion Battle is the only other player averaging double digits, pouring in 10.0 points. Senior Austin Sherrell is responsible for half of the team's 10 blocks, while senior David Jelks is pulling down seven boards per game.

Malone has three players averaging double figures, led by senior Nate Sheppard, who is averaging 23.5 points per game. Senior Ben Evans is second on the team with 18.0 points, followed by sophomore Jaret Majestic's 11 points per game. Junior Daylan Haynie is the straw that stirs the proverbial drink with 14 assists against just three turnovers. Sehill Mouliom leads the team with 6.0 rebounds.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Kentucky State University athletics is represented on Facebook (KSUThorobreds), Twitter (@KYSUAthletics) and Instagram (@KYSUAthletics). Follow all the happenings of Kentucky State University on social media by using the hashtags "#BredToWin" & "KSUForward"

UP NEXT: The Thorobreds host Cedarville Noon Tuesday at the Exum Center. All students in the Frankfort Independent School district will admitted to the game for free. It will be the last home game before a six-game road swing.