Men's Basketball Releases 2017-18 Non-Conference Schedule
7/25/2017 10:27:00 AM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – Kent State University men's basketball coach Rob Senderoff has released the 2017-18 non-conference basketball schedule, tipping off on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Looking to defend its 2017 Mid-American Conference Championship, Kent State will play a tough schedule that features four NCAA Division I opponents coming off postseason runs. The Golden Flashes will also be facing five opponents from within the state of Ohio.
"This year's non-conference schedule features tough competition that will help us get ready for the grind of MAC basketball," said Senderoff. "We'll face solid teams at home and play in several challenging environments on the road. Our guys are working hard this summer and will be prepared to represent Kent State."
The Flashes will compete on the M.A.C. Center's brand new court design six times during the non-conference portion of the season, a slate that is highlighted by a December 21 game against the PAC 12's Oregon State. It will be the first time Kent State has ever played a PAC 12 opponent at home.
"We're excited to bring Oregon State to Kent, but unfortunately it will be when our students are not on campus," noted Senderoff. "It's imperative that our community as well as all students who can make it back to campus rally around this game. We haven't had a Power 5 conference school visit the M.A.C. Center in almost 40 years and we need to show them how much we support college basketball here in Kent, Ohio."
The home slate tips off on Thursday, Nov. 16 against Ohio Christian, who competed in last year's NCCAA National Championship game. Kent State will also host Mississippi Valley State Sunday, Nov. 19, Southeastern Louisiana Tuesday, Nov. 21, Cleveland State Saturday, Dec, 2, and Northeastern Monday, Dec. 18.
Prior to the home non-conference games, Kent State will once against participate in the Northeast Ohio Coaches vs. Cancer Doubleheader. This year's local college basketball showcase will be played at Akron on Saturday, Nov. 11, with Kent State taking on Youngstown State. The Flashes will be looking for their ninth straight win against the Penguins, a streak dating back to 2007.
"Opening the season in the Coaches vs. Cancer doubleheader is an incredible tradition," said Senderoff. "It is a great fundraising event for the Coaches vs. Cancer program and brings exposure to Northeast Ohio college basketball. For fans in our community, this is a fantastic opportunity to see four solid programs."
The Flashes will also compete in the Savannah Invitational from Nov. 19-25, including the home games against Mississippi Valley State and Southeastern Louisiana. At the Savannah Civic Center, the Flashes will take on two quality opponents from the Missouri Valley Conference in Valparaiso Friday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Loyola Chicago Saturday, Nov. 25 at 5 p.m.
Following the tournament, Kent State will hit the road for four of its last seven non-conference games. The Flashes will travel to Norfolk State on Wednesday, Nov. 29 to take on a Spartan team that went 12-4 in conference play and advanced to the postseason. Kent State will then head to Cincinnati to face Xavier Wednesday, Dec. 6, fresh off their 2017 Elite 8 run. Three days later, Kent State will play at Wright State, a 20-win team in 2017. The 2017-18 non-conference schedule will conclude on Thursday, Dec. 28 at Albany. Altogether, Kent State's non-conference road opponents averaged 21 wins last season, with three advancing to the postseason.
For ticket information, call the Kent State ticket office at (330) 672-2244. Below is the complete Kent State men's basketball non-conference schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| Saturday, Nov. 11 | Youngstown State | Akron, Ohio |
| Thursday, Nov. 16 | Ohio Christian | Kent, Ohio |
| Sunday, Nov. 19 | Mississippi Valley State | Kent, Ohio |
| Tuesday, Nov. 21 | Southeastern Louisiana | Kent, Ohio |
| Friday, Nov. 24 | Valparaiso | Savannah, Ga. |
| Saturday, Nov. 25 | Loyola Chicago | Savannah, Ga. |
| Wednesday, Nov. 29 | Norfolk State | Norfolk, Va. |
| Saturday, Dec. 2 | Cleveland State | Kent, Ohio |
| Wednesday, Dec. 6 | Xavier | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Saturday, Dec. 9 | Wright State | Dayton, Ohio |
| Monday, Dec. 18 | Northeastern | Kent, Ohio |
| Thursday, Dec. 21 | Oregon State | Kent, Ohio |
| Thursday, Dec. 28 | Albany | Albany, N.Y. |
