SALEM, WV - The Kentucky State University men's basketball team led for 38 of the 40 minutes, however, it was the last two minutes that they trailed in losing to Salem, 73-67, Saturday in the Joe Machin Tournament on the campus of Salem University.

Following a three-pointer by senior Austin Sherrell (Detroit, MI) with 6:58 remaining, Kentucky State led by 10 points, 63-53. However, the Thorobreds tallied just four more points for the remainder of the game as Salem closed the contest on a 20-4 run.

Kentucky State was on fire in the first half, shooting 48.4 percent (15-of-31) from the floor and 43.8 percent (7-of-16) from beyond the arc.

Senior Ditalion Battle (Cincinnati, OH) hit six of his first seven shots, and was 6-of-9 in the first half, to score 18 of his team-high 21 points in the first 20 minutes.
The Thorobreds scored 21 of the game's first 27 points, and after Battle drilled a three-pointer with eight minutes remaining, KSU had its largest lead of the game at 17 points.

But, Salem didn't go away, slowly cutting into the Thorobreds' lead. The Tigers scored all seven points in the final five minutes of the half. Salem's run continued through the start of the second half, and when it was finally concluded – the spurt stood at 16-1 – and the KSU lead stood at two.

Junior Grant Goode (Matawan, NJ) keyed a spurt, scoring six points during a 12-0 run that enabled Kentucky State to push its lead back to double figures at 14.
Just like the first half, Salem climbed back into the contest and with a late run took its first lead of the game. The Tigers went a perfect six of six from the line to secure the win.

Kentucky State shot just 25.8 percent (8-of-31) from the field, including 15.4 percent (2-of-13) from the three-point line.

Goode finished with 13 points and four rebounds, while senior Kevin Hayes (Detroit, MI) registered 10 points and three assists. Junior DeAndre Wynn (Miami, FL) pulled down a team-high five boards.

KSU (4-5) returns to the hardwood 5 p.m. Sunday, playing California (PA) in the Machin Tournament.