Kent State University
13-6,3-3MAC
Northern Illinois
10-9,3-3MAC
Flashes Fall to NIU at Home
1/21/2020 10:25:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio- The Kent State men's basketball team were topped by the Huskies of Northern Illinois, 76-69, in the Flashes first home loss of the season on Tuesday night inside the M.A.C. Center.
Kent State drops to 13-6 overall and 3-3 in Mid-American Conference play.
Three Flashes scored in double figures, led by 18 points and nine rebounds from junior Danny Pippen. Senior CJ Williamson scored 14 points and grabbed six boards, while senior Antonio Williams had 13 points.
Senior Philip Whittington reached 1,000 career points after having eight on the night.
Despite Kent State building an early 10-point lead, 16-6, the Flashes were unable to keep their momentum throughout the remainder of the game. Kent State fell behind by as much as 12-points in the second half, 45-33. The Flashes were able to cut the Huskies' lead down to two, 55-53, all off NIU turnovers, but the Huskies answered right back and pushed the lead back up to nine with four minutes left to play. Kent State climbed within five in the final minute, but that was as close the Flashes would get.
Kent State struggled in the battle of the boards and was out-rebounded, 45-28. NIU was able to score 16-second chance points.
Kent State will have another road battle as they travel to Buffalo on Friday night. Tip time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday's game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
