Kent State University
20-12,9-9MAC
Eastern Michigan
16-16,6-12MAC
Kent State’s Win Over EMU Sends Flashes Marching Back to Cleveland
3/9/2020 10:36:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio- The Kent State men's basketball team defeated Eastern Michigan, 86-76, Monday night in the opening round game of the Mid-American Conference Tournament at the M.A.C. Center.
With the victory, Kent State (20-12) advance to the quarterfinals where they will face Western Division Co-Champion Ball State on Thursday night at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.
KSU had all five starters score in double figures led by junior Danny Pippen who scored 20 points going a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line. Senior Antonio Williams added 18 points with four rebounds and three assists. Senior Philip Whittington scored 12 points and grabbed six boards. Sophomore Anthony Roberts has 14 points, four boards, and six assists, while Troy Simons finished with 10 points.
EMU scored the game's first points from a three-pointer, but it would be the Eagles' only lead of the game as the Flashes scored the next 12 points and took complete control of the game.
KSU opened its largest lead of the game, 52-38 when Roberts connected on a three from the right corner. To their credit, EMU stayed in the game and used an 8-0 run that closed the Flashes' lead to 71-68 with 4:04 remaining. A three-pointer from Pippen ignited a 5-0 run for the Flashes and put the game out of reach and secured the victory.
Kent State's ball movement was a huge key as the Flashes dished out a season-high 21 assists. The Flashes shot a sizzling 61.5 percent (16-of-26) from the field in the second half and were 53.6 percent (30-of-56) for the game. KSU dominated the rebounds, 41-27, while also having 15 second-chance points.
The Flashes will need three wins in three days at Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, beginning Thursday night at approximately 9 p.m., against Ball State. Tickets are available for purchase here.
