FRANKFORT, Ky.  – Aziel Blackwell scored a career-high 37 points to lead Kentucky State past SIAC foe Allen 90-72 in the Thorobreds' home opener.
 
Blackwell went 11-of-18 from the field, 4-of-6 from three-point range and 11-of-12 at the free-throw line on his way to a career-high performance.
 
Gregory Melvin was the lone double-double of the night with 23 points and 14 rebounds. His teammate Dashawn Hall shot 50% from the field to score 12 points.
 
Kur Maler's three-pointer at the 12:27 mark of the first half pushed the Thorobreds' lead to 20-10, but Allen answered with a 12–0 run to take a 22–20 edge with 10:49 left in the half.
 
Allen stretched its lead in the final minutes of the first half, taking a 39–32 advantage into halftime.
 
Blackwell poured in 28 second-half points, knocking down one of two free throws to tie the game at 46–46 with 13:56 remaining. The teams traded ties three more times before his three-pointer at the 7:01 mark shifted the momentum and put Kentucky State ahead 64–61.
 
The show continued for Blackwell as he ended the night with a four point play, to secure an 18-point 90-72 victory.
 
Up Next
Kentucky State will remain at home as they host Benedict on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 3:00 p.m. inside of the William Exum Center.
 
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