MOBILE, Ala. – The Kentucky State men's basketball team took the inside track early and never looked back, defeating Spring Hill College 81-72 on Saturday at the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center.
 
Gregory Melvin set the pace for the Thorobreds, recording a double-double with a team-high 21 points and 12 rebounds. Melvin showed his range by hitting 3-of-8 from beyond the arc while anchoring the defense with 10 defensive boards.
 
Jeramiah Israel provided a spark off the bench, finishing as the second-high scorer with 17 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting performance. Dashawn Hall also finished in the money, tallying 15 points and seven rebounds, while Aziel Blackwell rounded out the double-digit scorers with 14 points.
 
Kentucky State broke quickly from the starting gate, outscoring the Badgers 37-22 in the first half. The Thorobreds utilized their horsepower in transition, racking up 33 fast-break points compared to just 17 for Spring Hill.
 
The Thorobreds maintained their lead throughout the final stretch by dominating the glass, out-rebounding the Badgers 48-38. KSU's work on the offensive boards was particularly effective, as 16 offensive rebounds led to 17 second-chance points.
 
Spring Hill  attempted a late charge in the second half, putting up 50 points in the final 20 minutes, but the deficit proved too large to overcome against the steady Kentucky State stride. The Badgers were led by Nikoloz Abuladze, who scored 14 points, and Stephon MacDonald, who finished with 12.
 
UP NEXT 
Kentucky State will return home on Jan. 14 to host SIAC foe Lane at 7:30 p.m. inside of the William Exum Center. 
 
 
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