Deon J. Edwin recorded his first career double-double, a career-best 12 rebounds and 15 points, as Kent State University men's basketball team defeated the University of Texas Longhorns on December 27, 2016. Photo: Provided

Deon J. Edwin (left) playing for Bayside Blazers in the 2016 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League before departing for Kent State University. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Deon J. Edwin has been enjoying a successful run with Kent State University. Photo: Facebook

The Flashes won the game playing their brand of basketball. Entering the night as the best offensive rebounding team in the nation, the Flashes outrebounded Texas, 53-34, and doubled them up on the offensive glass, 22-11. The Flashes clamped down on defense, holding the Longhorns to 36.2 percent (21-for-58) shooting from the floor and 11.1 percent (2-for-18) from distance.

"Obviously a big win for us playing a team like Texas with the tradition they have, the history they have, the coaching staff they have, and the players they have currently," stated head coach Rob Senderoff. "It's a great win for us. We battled through some adversity throughout the game."

Jaylin Walker led the way in the scoring column, with 24 points on 50 percent shooting. He also pulled down seven rebounds, one shy of his career-high.

First career double-double for Edwin

Edwin recorded his first career double-double, with a career-best 12 rebounds and 15 points. Jimmy Hall also had a double-double, with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. It was the first time two players earned double-doubles in the same game for Kent State since March 10, 2011.

Kent State came out strong in the first half, building a quick 8-3 lead. Both teams had to work for their points early, and the game reached a 10-10 tie nearly nine minutes in. The Flashes hit a skid in the first half, going over seven minutes without a field goal. However, seven first half free throws kept Texas from leading by no more than six points. The home team took a 29-25 lead into the break.

"We were talking about rebounding hard and feeding," said Walker on the team's mentality at halftime. "If you have an open shot, take it. If not, move the ball and put it inside the paint. That was our talk."

Texas played well to start the second half, and re-established a six-point advantage at 37-31 with 14:56 left. However, from the 16:56 to the 6:45 mark, Texas went without a field goal. The home team's drought allowed Kent State to go on a 15-2 run and take a lead they would never give up.

While Kent State held the lead for nearly the last 12 minutes, Texas would make the road team earn it. Texas made it a one-point game on multiple occasions, finally on a Jarrett Allen dunk to make it 57-56 with 1:19 left. On four fouls, All-MAC forward Hall made a clutch jumper in the paint. Up three points, Desmond Ridenour made his fourth steal and found Jaylin Walker for a breakaway dunk. After one last Texas field goal, the Longhorns had a chance to tie the game down three, but Hall came up with a block with six seconds left, and found Walker for another fast break dunk to end the game.

The Flashes will begin conference play on January 3, 2016 when they host Ball State at 7:00 P.M.