The Kentucky State University men's basketball team closed the game on a 12-2 run to seal its first Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory of the season, beating Paine Saturday, 76-66, at the William Exum Center.

Ten of KSU's 12 points during the game-deciding spurt came from the foul line as they went a perfect 10-of-10 from the line down the stretch. For the game, the Thorobreds went 25-of-32 from charity stripe. The free throw line wasn't as kind to the Lions as they went just 10-of-22 from the line.

The first half featured 10 lead changes and four ties with the largest lead being eight points.

After a three-pointer by junior Kevin Wharton-Price (Pittsburgh, Pa.) gave KSU a lead the open the second half, Kentucky State led for all but 12 seconds in the final 20 minutes.

Three ties punctuated a two-minute span toward the end of the half, but Paine missed its final five shots of the game, and went just 1-of-7 over the last 5:13.

Senior Jordan Little (Jersey City, N.J.) led the way with his fourth double-double of the season, recording 19 points and 10 rebounds. Wharton-Price dropped in a season-high 17 points, while senior Grant Goode (Matawan, N.J.) tabulated 15 points and six rebounds.

Senior Shaq Athie (Cincinnati, Ohio) tied a season-high with 14 rebounds, marking the third time this year he pulled down double-figure boards. He added eight points to leave his two points shy of a double-double.

Freshman Jalen Fisher (Ypsilanti, Mich.) dished out a team-best six assists to go along with six points and two steals.

Kentucky State (4-5 overall, 1-1 SIAC) returns to the Exum Center court 7:30 p.m. Monday, hosting Benedict.