Hunter has 18 as UTEP holds on to beat Kent State 78-75

EL PASO, Texas (AP) Vince Hunter had 18 points and 16 rebounds as UTEP survived a late charge to knock off Kent State 78-75 to win its third consecutive Sun Bowl Invitational Monday night.

Cedrick Lang and Matt Willms had 12 apiece and Julian Washburn chipped in 10 for UTEP (8-4).

Kent State led early but the Miners took a 16-13 lead at the 12:14 mark. UTEP held a slim 44-37 halftime advantage and was up 65-52 with 6:29 remaining in the game. Kent State mounted a comeback and closed to 71-69 following Derek Jackson's 3-pointer with 1:11 remaining. C.J. Cooper answered with a jumper and made two free throws and Omega Harris sealed the win with three free throws.

Kent State's Devareaux Manley missed a 3-point attempt as time expired.

Jimmy Hall had 20 points and Derek Jackson made 4 of 6 from beyond the arc for 16 points for Kent State (8-3).