Justin Greene scored 23 points, including six in overtime, as Kent State defeated Furman 78-74 on Friday night after squandering a 13-point second-half lead.
The Golden Flashes (4-1) still led 65-57 with 2:15 left in regulation. Amu Saaka, who paced the Paladins (2-1) with 21 points and 11 rebounds, scored on a tip-in, was fouled and made the free throw to make it 65-60.
Saaka's layup cut Kent State's lead to three points, and Noah States' 3-pointer with 12 seconds left tied it.
The teams traded the first two baskets of overtime before a layup by Michael Porrini, who finished with 16 points, put Kent State ahead to stay.
Trailing by two, Furman had a chance to take the lead with 9 seconds left but States missed a 3-pointer. Greene added two final free throws for Kent State.
The Golden Flashes have won 11 in a row at home.
