UC Irvine triumphs as Bent Leuchten shines with 17 points

On November 29, 2024, in Lethbridge, Alberta, the UC Irvine Anteaters celebrated a solid victory against the Kent State Golden Flashes, finishing the game with a score of 51-39. Bent Leuchten was the standout player for UC Irvine, contributing significantly with 17 points and eight rebounds. This match was part of the Western Slam, a tournament aimed at showcasing collegiate basketball talent. UC Irvine entered the contest with an impressive record of 6-0, while Kent State had a respectable 5-1 record before this game. The first half saw UC Irvine leading by a small margin, with the score at 23-16 by halftime. Leuchten's nine points in the first half added crucial momentum to the team's performance. Devin Tillis also provided assistance on both ends of the court, scoring eight points and securing 11 rebounds, showcasing both offensive and defensive prowess. However, Kent State struggled to find their rhythm, indicated by lower-than-expected point totals from their key players. In the second half, UC Irvine increased the pressure and pulled away following a notable 9-0 scoring run that extended their lead to 14 points. Bent Leuchten continued to shine, scoring eight additional points in the second half. The Anteaters ultimately outscored the Golden Flashes by five points in this period, demonstrating their ability to maintain and extend their lead. Kent State's performance centered around contributions from Delrecco Gillespie, who led his team with nine points, as well as Jamal Sumlin and Marquis Barnett, who each scored seven points. Despite their efforts, Kent State could not close the gap and ended the game with a disappointing showing. For UC Irvine, this victory marked their seventh consecutive win, solidifying their status as a formidable contender in collegiate basketball as they continue their season with confidence.