Sixteen three-pointers and a dominant performance by Lavar Miller Jr. propelled the Kentucky State Thorobreds to an emphatic 82-63 victory over the Benedict Tigers on Saturday afternoon in Columbia, South Carolina.
Miller delivered a career-best performance, leading the Thorobreds with 32 points, including nine three-pointers and 11 field goals. In addition to his scoring outburst, Miller grabbed six rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded two steals, setting the tone for Kentucky State’s offensive fireworks.
Supporting Miller’s heroics, Ogien Ayo added 19 points, shooting an efficient 4-of-5 from the free-throw line, while Deavion Scales contributed 15 points and led the team with six assists and two steals. Gregory Melvin made his presence felt on the boards, hauling in a game-high 10 rebounds, along with a block and four points.
The Thorobreds set the tone early, jumping out to an 8-0 lead while holding Benedict scoreless for over four minutes. The Tigers responded with a 9-2 run to briefly take a 12-10 lead with 11:51 left in the first half. However, Kentucky State roared back, fueled by six points from Miller, to go on a decisive 15-3 run and build a 29-15 advantage with 4:54 remaining in the half.
Miller continued his scoring barrage in the second half, sinking three consecutive three-pointers to push the Thorobreds to a 51-37 lead at the 14:21 mark. He later extended the lead to a game-high 23 points with a mid-range jumper, making it 71-48 with 7:03 left in regulation.
In the final stretch, Kentucky State’s defense clamped down, holding Benedict to just five points over the last five minutes to secure the 82-63 victory.
The Thorobreds’ sharpshooting performance and defensive discipline showcased their potential as they continue their season. Kentucky State looks to carry this momentum into their next matchup, aiming to build on their impressive showing.
