KENT, Ohio -- Kris Brewer missed his first free throw but hit the second to lift Kent State to a 79-78 win over USC Upstate on Friday night.

The Golden Flashes (5-0) carried a 42-34 advantage into the break but lost the lead midway through the second half. Devaraux Manley, who led Kent State with 21 points, sank one of his seven 3-pointers to regain the lead 71-70 with 3:22 left, but USC Upstate battled back, tying the game at 78-all with 16 seconds left.

A foul sent Brewer to the line with three seconds remaining, where he missed his first shot but then hit the game-winner.

Torrey Craig led the Spartans (2-3) with 21 points, while Ty Greene added 20 with six assists.

USC Upstate shot 54.4 percent from the field, which Kent State overcame with 3-pointers, hitting 18 of 34 for the evening.