FRANKFORT, Ky. – Lavar Miller Jr. led all scorers with 24 points, while Ogien Ayo recorded his first double-double as Kentucky State defeated Tiffin 79-72.
 
Miller began the year on a high-note scoring 24 points, making eight field goals, four three-pointers, and going 4-for-5 from the free-throw line.
 
Ayo notched his first double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds, shooting a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line and making eight shots from the field. He also led both teams with two blocks.
 
In his debut in the green and gold, Keon Henderson scored 16 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. He also led the game with five assists.
 
The Thorobreds and Tiffin were evenly matched in field goals, with the Thorobreds making 28 shots, just one more than Tiffin's 27. At the free-throw line, however, the Thorobreds had the edge, sinking 18 shots for an 85.7% accuracy rate, seven more than Tiffin's 11.
 
Both teams battled early with several ties and lead changes. A 9-2 run by the Dragons late in the first half, at the 6:31 mark, gave them their largest lead of the night at 10 points, 24-14.
 
A layup by Ayo at the 2:59 mark of the first half extended the Thorobreds' 10-0 run, tying the game at 24-24. Henderson converted an and-one to give Kentucky State a 30-29 edge over Tiffin at halftime.
 
In the second half, the Thorobreds went on an 18-2 run, led by 10 points from Miller, to take a 15-point lead at the 11:03 mark. They maintained their advantage to defeat the Dragons 79-72.
 
UP NEXT
Kentucky State will begin conference play next as they host Fort Valley State on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. inside Exum Center.
 
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