WILBERFORCE, Ohio – Gregory Melvin posted a team-high 19 points and eight rebounds, but Kentucky State couldn't overcome a second-half surge by Central State in an 80-68 loss on Saturday.
 
Melvin led both teams with eight rebounds and helped the Thorobreds outrebound the Marauders 36-30. Melvin also led Kentucky State with 19 points.
 
A pair of Thorobreds followed Melvin in double figures: Sean Paige scored 14 points, and Aziel Blackwell added 10 while leading the game with five steals.
 
Kentucky State struck first on a layup by Blackwell, but a 13-2 Central State run was ended with a jumper by Blackwell to cut the Marauders' lead to 17-11 with 11:45 remaining in the first half.
 
The Thorobreds held the Marauders scoreless for more than two minutes near the 7:51 mark and capitalized with a 10-0 run, capped by a three-point play from Melvin that brought Kentucky State within two at 23-21 with 6:58 left in the first half.
 
A layup by Keon Henderson followed by a pair of free throws from Melvin gave the Thorobreds a 36-35 lead early in the second half. They followed with a 13-2 run to pull ahead 43-39 with 16:39 remaining.
 
Central State hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 45 with 14:59 remaining in regulation.
 
With 12:12 left in the second half, Central State tied the game at 48, but the lead was short-lived as Israel hit a 3-pointer to put the Thorobreds ahead 51-48.
 
The Marauders responded with a 13-1 run to regain momentum and take a 66-57 lead at the 6:45 mark of the second half.
 
King Keary scored the final points of the contest on a layup in the closing seconds, but the Thorobreds ultimately fell 80-68.
 
UP NEXT 
Kentucky State will continue their road swing at LeMoyne-Owen on Monday, Jan. 19 at 8:30 p.m. in Memphis, Tennessee. 
 
 
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