In a game that wasn't as close as the final score, the Kentucky State men's basketball team completed the season sweep of rival Central State with the 77-70 win Monday in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action at the William Exum Center. (Post Game Interview)

Kentucky State opened the second half on a 19-6 run, pushing its lead to double figures for the first time at 15 points. The senior trio of Kevin Hayes (Detroit, MI), Austin Sherrell (Detroit, MI) and Ditalion Battle (Cincinnati, OH) accounted for all of the team's 19 points.

Sherrell and Hayes scored the first two baskets before a steal and dunk by Battle really got him jumpstarted and the crowd going. A three-pointer by Hayes was followed by a Battle three-point play and a Battle three-pointer for the 11-point lead. A three-point play by Sherrell capped the run.

Kentucky State continued to build on its lead, pushing it to as much as 19 points. It floated around 19 points as the Thorobreds sent their starters to the bench with 4:25 remaining.

Then, things started to get a little interesting.

Central State scored 16 of the next 20 points to pull to within seven with 1:58 remaining. However, a common foul and then a technical foul on the Marauders stymied the momentum they were building, and the 'Breds completed the sweep.

KSU came out blazing in the opening minutes, hitting four of its first five shots to open a 10-2 lead. However, the Marauders weathered the early storm, and slowly crept back into the game, and with 11:44 remaining in the opening half – they had its only lead of the game.

It was an advantage that didn't last long as a Hayes bucket on the next trip down the floor enabled the black-clad home team to reclaim the lead for good. CSU forced a couple of ties but never reclaimed the lead.

The conference's leading scorer, Battle scored all 17 of his points in the second half, and he added six assists, six rebounds and three steals.

Senior David Jelks (Conyers, GA) has been on a tear of late, reaching double figures for the sixth straight game. He recorded this third double-double of the season with 10 points and 15 rebounds. The 15 boards were tied for a career-high.
Sherrell added 16 points and four rebounds, while Hayes contributed 15 points and four rebounds.

Kentucky State (11-13 overall, 9-7 SIAC) will put its four-game winning streak on the line against West Division champion Miles 3 p.m. Saturday. The Golden Bears (16-7 overall, 13-3 SIAC) sealed the division crown Saturday.

The Thorobreds will honor the contributions of their seniors, Battle, Sherrell, Hayes and Jelks in a pregame ceremony.