Jaylin Walker’s season-high 26 points weren’t enough Tuesday, as the Kent State men’s basketball team (3-1) suffered their first loss of the season to Southeastern Louisiana (2-3), 70-66. 

The Flashes jumped on the Lions early and managed through most of the first half, leading by as many as 12. The charge was led by junior guard Walker, who scored 13 points in the first half. Walker was complimented by freshman forward BJ Duling, who chipped in six points. 

The Lions managed to take the lead eight minutes into the second half when Marlain Veal knocked down a jumper to make the score 44-43 in favor of the Lions. Veal finished the game with 22 points, which was tied with Eddy Polanco for the team lead. 

The game was a back-and-forth affair for most of the second half, but Polanco gave Southeastern Louisiana a five-point lead with 50 seconds remaining on a three-pointer and two free throws. The Flashes cut the lead to three with 20 seconds left, but both senior guard Kevin Zabo and Walker missed game-tying threes. 

Junior center Adonis De La Rosa finished with 10 points and six rebounds for Kent State, while junior guard Jalen Avery added five assists. Avery now has 22 assists on the season compared to one turnover. 

The Flashes will be back in action at 7:30 p.m. Friday when they face off against Valparaiso in Savannah, Georgia. 

Henry Palatella is the sports editor. Contact him at [email protected].