Deon J. Edwin and Kent State Golden Flashes chose to select a fan of a different race from the crowd to stand with them in solidarity during the national anthem at the MAC Centre on November 16, 2016. Photo: Facebook

Deon J. Edwin scored 11, tallied four rebounds, four assists and just one turnover as Kent State University registered a 93-63 victory over Mississippi Valley State (0-3) on Wednesday November 16, 2016. Photo: Getty Images/File

Deon J. Edwin of Bayside Blazers (with ball) pushes past his marker in the game against West Gunners at the Save the Seed Energy Centre on August 26, 2016. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

For the second straight game, Jimmy Hall led the Golden Flashes in points and rebounds with 23 and nine respectively. Hall shot 7-for-12 from the floor and 9-for-11 from the free throw line. He also chipped in five assists to one turnover and a block.

Jaylin Walker scored 14 points, while senior Deon J. Edwin scored 11. Edwin also tallied four rebounds, four assists and just one turnover. Kevin Zabo came off the bench to lead the team in assists with six.

The Kent State University men's basketball team (2-0) will officially begin the 2016 Gulf Coast Showcase with a Portage County showdown against Hiram College (1-0) Friday in the MAC Center.

Defeating racism

Edwin and the Flashes enter the game planning a repeat of an eventful Wednesday night, when prior to the Star Spangled Banner being played, each of Kent State's men's basketball student-athletes chose to select a fan of a different race from the crowd to stand with them in solidarity during the national anthem.

"It was a special moment," senior guard Edwin said after the game. "We all come together as one. It wasn't about colour of skin. If we can do that at a small school, everyone can do it."

Edwin said the plan is to do the same for every home game this year. He's hoping it will catch on with other schools, and maybe even pro teams.

"I really do," he said. "Everyone watches college sports. If people see it happen, maybe they'll do it. Then maybe the pros will do it also. It's something we can all do together."

The decision to use the national anthem as a time to show solidarity in Kent State’s diverse campus community was made by the team's seniors and captains, not athletic department officials. The student-athletes brought their idea to the athletic department's coaches and staff, who unanimously supported them in their decision.

Fans of Edwin and Kent State are encouraged to use the hashtag #StandWithKSU to show support for the team's efforts.