LETHBRIDGE, Alberta — In a recent matchup at the Western Slam, Bent Leuchten contributed significantly with 17 points, leading UC Irvine to a victory over Kent State with a final score of 51-39.

Leuchten also gathered eight rebounds for the Anteaters, who now boast an impressive record of 7-0. Devin Tillis made a notable impact as well, scoring eight points with a shooting percentage of 50% from the field, while also securing 11 rebounds. Justin Hohn struggled a bit with his shooting, connecting on only 2 of 11 attempts, including missing all three of his 3-point attempts, but he still managed to chip in six points along with six rebounds. The win marked the seventh consecutive victory for the Anteaters.

On the other side of the court, the Golden Flashes, who currently hold a record of 5-2, were led by Delrecco Gillespie, who tallied nine points. Jamal Sumlin and Marquis Barnett each contributed seven points to the team’s effort, but it was not enough to overcome UC Irvine’s defensive prowess and scoring efficiency.

UC Irvine took control of the game late in the first half with 3:47 remaining on the clock and maintained their lead throughout. By the time halftime arrived, the score stood at 23-16, with Leuchten already having made his mark with nine points. The Anteaters built their lead with a decisive 9-0 run in the second half, which expanded what had been a modest five-point advantage to a commanding 14 points. They managed to outscore Kent State by five points in the latter half, with Leuchten once again leading the scoring effort, contributing a team-high eight points during that period.