YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Jimmy Hall scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds to lead Kent State to a 69-61 win over Youngstown State in the season opener for both teams Saturday night.

Kent State opened the second half with a 6-0 burst capped by Hall's jumper that made it 41-33, but Youngstown State stayed close, briefly retaking the lead on a Shawn Amiker layup that made it 48-47 with 12:59 to go. The Golden Flashes responded with a 12-2 run, again capped by Hall, and held on down the stretch.

Kris Brewer and Devareaux Manley added 12 points apiece for Kent State, which shot 52.3 percent from the field and extended its win streak over the Penguins to seven straight.

Amiker led Youngstown State with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Bobby Hain added 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting.