KENT, Ohio -- Randal Holt scored 19 points to lead Kent State past Arkansas State 73-69 Saturday night in a nonconference showdown.

Chris Evans finished with 16 points and six rebounds, and Thomas Kellon came off the bench to add 14 points for Kent State (7-5).

After trailing at halftime 40-34, Arkansas State (6-5) got within one, 61-60, on Rakeem Dickerson's free throw with 5:52 left in the second half.

Kent State responded with an 8-1 run to take a 69-62 lead with 3:44 left to play. Kellon's 3-pointer and layup sparked the Golden Flashes' run.

With 38 seconds left, Brandon Peterson made two free throws for Arkansas State to cut the deficit to two, 71-69, but Evans converted on two free throws to go up four with just 6 seconds remaining, sealing the victory.

Ed Townsel led the Red Wolves with 24 points, 19 coming after halftime.