Kent State University
16-8,6-5MAC
Northern Illinois
15-9,8-3MAC
Flashes Drop Defensive Battle at NIU
2/7/2020 10:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball
DEKALB, ILL- The Kent State men's basketball team came up short despite a tough defensive battle at the Convocation Center on Friday night. The Flashes fell to the Huskies, 57-54.
Kent State drops to 16-8 overall and 6-5 in MAC play.
In a game that saw 14 lead changes and 11 ties, Kent State tried to rally down the stretch when junior Danny Pippen knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers that tied the game at 50 with 3:52 remaining. The Huskies took a 54-50 lead and held KSU scoreless for 2:33 before Pippen hit a pair of free throws that cut the deficit to two. A layup from sophomore Anthony Roberts tied the game at 54 and he was sent to the line for a chance to give the Flashes the lead but missed the free throw.
NIU forged ahead on a Eugene German free throw but Kent State could not get a decent shot on the ensuing possession. Two more free throws pushed the lead to three and Pippen's potential game-tying three rimmed off as time expired.
Pippen led the Flashes with 16 points and eight rebounds while Roberts rounded out the double-figure scoring with 13 points. Senior Antonio Williams grabbed a team-high 10 boards.
The Golden Flashes will be off this Tuesday and next in action Saturday, Feb. 15 when they play host to Ohio at 1 p.m.
