CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) — Dre Marin had 27 points while going 7-10 behind the arc as Southern Utah narrowly defeated Kent State 83-79 in the first round of The Basketball Classic Wednesday at the America First Event Center.

John Knight III added 14 points for Southern Utah (21-11). Jason Spurgin added 13 points and Harrison Butler had 11 points.

Malique Jacobs scored a career-high 28 points for the Golden Flashes (23-11). Jalen Sullinger added 16 points and Andrew Garcia had 13 points.