Golden Flashes Conclude Cross-Divisional Play Saturday Against Central Michigan

Saturday, February 15

Kent, Ohio

6:00 p.m.

Kent State University

Central Michigan University

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Kellon Thomas

Photo by: Nick Cammett

Golden Flashes Conclude Cross-Divisional Play Saturday Against Central Michigan

2/14/2014 3:08:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Game Notes (.pdf)

Kent State (13-11, 4-7) looks to avenge an overtime loss on the road last week when it hosts Central Michigan at 6 p.m. Saturday at the M.A.C. Center to conclude Mid-American Conference cross-divisional play.

The Golden Flashes head into their rematch with the Chippewas the same way as the first encounter—a last-second victory at the M.A.C. Center. Senior Darren Goodson sank a fading three-point shot beyond the top of the key to give the Flashes a 60-57 victory over Akron on Feb. 1. This time, it was junior Devareaux Manley who played hero in the most recent game, as his corner three-pointer gave the Flashes a 62-61 win over Bowling Green on Wednesday night.

Five of Kent State's last six games have remained in the balance for the final possession of regulation, which was the case in Central Michigan's 78-73 overtime victory last Wednesday at McGuirk Arena. Sophomore K.K. Simmons forced overtime with a pair of three-pointers from the wing in the final 43.0 of play. The Flashes got a stop on the final play of regulation, but were outscored 17-12 during the extra session.

Junior Derek Jackson carried Kent State for much of the night against the Falcons, scoring a career-high 25 points despite coming off the bench for the first time this season. Jackson leads the Flashes in scoring (11.3 ppg) and steals (1.9 spg) while shooting 40-percent from the three-point arc. The former Chippewas guard scored 12 points against his former school in last week's matchup.

Goodson recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in last week's loss in Mount Pleasant, his first of the season. The 6-5 forward averages 10.2 points per game and is second on the team in rebounding (4.2 rpg) and assists (2.6 apg).

Sophomores Kellon Thomas, Khaliq Spicer and Chris Ortiz have been inserted into the starting lineup in recent weeks. Thomas scored nine points and handed out three assists in Wednesday's win, while Ortiz was terrific in holding Falcons forward Richaun Holmes well below his season averages with only four points and four rebounds. Spicer was limited to just five minutes of action against Central last week after falling hard at shootaround earlier in the day, but has recorded multiple blocked shots in three of the last four games.

Despite their new roles coming off the bench, Kris Brewer, Mark Henniger and Manley have continued to make contributions. While Brewer's shot has been off the past two games, he had four assists in Wednesday's victory and leads the MAC in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.3) in league games. Henniger scored consecutive baskets and grabbed two key offensive rebounds late in Wednesday's contest to give the Flashes a chance at winning. Manley scored 14 points against the Falcons, helping the Flashes hold a 45-2 bench scoring edge.

Scouting the Chippewas
Central Michigan (8-15, 1-10) comes to the M.A.C. Center following an 88-63 loss at Northern Illinois on Wednesday, its worst loss of the season. In defeat, the Chippewas received just three bench points and were dominated on the glass, 39-19.

The Chippewas play an uptempo style and pressure the ball from baseline to baseline on defense. They rank second in the conference at 73.7 points per game. They allow 73.1 points per game, however, which ranks 11th in the conference.

Point guard Chris Fowler is among the MAC's most-improved players this season. The sophomore from Detroit is third in the conference in scoring (17.9 ppg) and assists (5.0 apg) and fifth in field goal percentage (.548). In league games, he averages a MAC-leading 19.5 points per game.

Forwards John Simons and Blake Hibbitts provide challenges for opposing frontcourts with the their ability to make long-range shots, as the sophomore duo has combined for 101 three-pointers on the season. Simons averages 10.9 points and a team-best 5.9 rebounds on the season, and poured in a game-high 22 points against the Flashes a week ago in Mount Pleasant.

Central Michigan is at its best when receiving contributions from role players such as guard Braylon Rayson (9.6 ppg) and Rayshawn Simmons (4.8 ppg). They have combined for just over 17 points per game in Central's 8 wins this season, compared to just under 12 points per game in 15 losses.

Tickets
Fans can purchase tickets over the phone by calling 330-672-2244, in person by coming to the M.A.C. Center ticket office or online by clicking the banner below. Tickets are selling fast and fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.

Quick Flashes
• Third-year head coach Rob Senderoff is 11-1 in home games during th month of February. The lone loss came in the 2012 BracketBusters game vs. College of Charleston.
• Kent State forces 15.0 turnovers per game at home this season and scores 16.2 points per game off those turnovers. Each of the last five teams to come into the M.A.C. Center have committed at least 18 turnovers.
• The Flashes are getting huge bench contributions this season and are outscoring opposing benches, 24.0-16.1. On Wednesday, Kent State was +43 in bench scoring (45-2) thanks to a career night from Derek Jackson in his first game coming off the bench this season.
• At least 10 players have scored for KSU in nine games this season. The Flashes have received 20 or more bench points in 18 games.
• Five of the last six games have come down to the final possession of regulation. The Flashes are 2-3 in those games with wins against Akron and Bowling Green.

FLASHback
• Central Michigan defeated Kent State in Mount Pleasant, 78-73 in overtime, on February 5.
• John Simons poured in 16 of his game-high 22 points during the second half to lead the Chippewas to their first MAC win of the season.
• Kent State led 32-25 at halftime before a dry spell early in the second half resulted in a 19-5 run for CMU.
• K.K. Simmons forced overtime with two 3-point field goals in the final 43.0 of regulation.
• The Chippewas shot 5-for-6 from the field on their way to outscoring the Flashes 17-12 in overtime.
• Kris Brewer led Kent State with 17 points and five assists. Darren Goodson added 15 points and 10 rebounds.
• In his return to Mt. Pleasant to face his former school for the first time, Derek Jackson scored 12 points.
• Simons sank four 3-pointers in the opening six minutes of the second half to surge CMU into the lead. He also grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds.
• Chris Fowler shook off a tough first half in which he scored just 2 points to finish with 18, including 5 in the OT period.

Series History
• Kent State leads the all-time series 43-30.
• The Golden Flashes have won 19 of the last 21 meetings with the Chippewas and in the series.
• Kent State has defended its home floor well historically with a 25-9 record, including 10 consecutive victories.
• This is the first time the schools have met twice in the same season since 2004-05.
• Central Michigan has not defeated Kent State twice in the same season since 1987-88, when the Chippewas were led by 13-year NBA veteran Dan Majerle.
• The Kent State-Central Michigan series dates back to the 1949-50 season and an 66-48 Kent State win at home.

TV / Radio
The game will be televised live regionally on TWC Sports Channel and streamed nationally on ESPN3. Michael Reghi and Dave Ceccutti will be on the call.

Ty Linder (play-by-play) and Dave Carducci (color) will bring you the action on 640 AM WHLO and the Golden Flashes iHeartRadio channel.

Next Up For Kent State
The Golden Flashes go back on the road to play Miami on Wednesday (Feb. 19).

TWO for Tuesday
For Kent State's home finale against Miami on Tuesday, March 4, fans will have a 2-for-1 opportunity. Fans can purchase TWO general admission tickets for the price of one ($12). To purchase tickets, contact the athletics ticket office at 330-672-2244 or stop by the M.A.C. Center Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.