KENT, Ohio -- Jimmy Hall scored 18 points, hauled in 16 rebounds and Kent State rallied past Division-II Malone for a 62-52 victory Tuesday night.

Malone led by as much as 13 in the first half, but the Golden Flashes climbed back using a 19-6 surge capped by two layups from Hall to lead 50-46 with 5:38 left.

The Pioneers pulled back within one after Stephen O'Daniel's layup with 2:29 remaining, but split pairs of free throws from Gary Akbar, Devareaux Manley and Hall along with a layup by Kellon Thomas helped Kent State close the game with a 9-0 run.

Derek Jackson had nine points and Kris Brewer added eight for Kent State (2-0), which overcame an 8-of-28 first-half shooting performance. Hall had all four of his blocks in the second half and was 6 of 8 from the field.

Ben Haraway scored 16 points for Malone and Neil Gingerich contributed 15.