Kent State University
Toledo
Golden Flashes Tangle with Toledo in Premier MAC Matchup
2/14/2022 5:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State men's basketball team (15-9, 10-4 MAC) will look to win its seventh-consecutive game as they travel to Toledo (20-5, 12-2 MAC) on Tuesday night in a battle of two of the best teams in the Mid-American Conference.
The Golden Flashes have won six games in a row and have catapulted into third place in the MAC. Kent State has been rolling since mid-January, winning eight of their last nine games after a 2-3 start in conference play.
The Flashes have now won three in a row on the road and are 5-2 on the road in MAC games. During the six-game winning streak, the Flashes have four players averaging in double figures led by Sincere Carry at 18.7 points per game. Carry continues to be the player to watch for Kent State, as he's led the team in scoring 16 times this season. His 19 points against Akron marked the 12th time he has scored 18 or more this season.
Giovanni Santiago has caught fire over the past three games, recording 15 or more points in each game. Santiago is shooting 15-for-30 from deep during the winning streak. Meanwhile, Andrew Garcia has come to life since returning to full health. He has scored in double figures in five games during the streak and is averaging 13.2 points. Malique Jacobs continues to be the team's swiss army knife. He is averaging 10.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists per game and has 11 steals over the past six games.
During the Flashes' six-game winning streak, they have been dominant on both sides of the ball. The Golden Flashes are averaging nearly 80 points per game during the streak and hold opponents to less than 70 points. They have a +10.2 scoring margin during the streak and are shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from three. The Golden Flashes have recorded three straight games with 10 or more three-pointers.
Scouting the Rockets
Toledo has been one of the most dominant teams in the MAC since the Flashes beat them on New Year's Day. The Rockets are 12-2 in conference play and have won 11 of their last 12 games, including two gigantic wins over Ohio.
The Rockets are led by one of the best players in the conference, Ryan Rollins. He leads the team with 19.9 points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game. Rollins gets after it defensively as well, leading the Rockets with 45 steals. Toledo can score the rock at will, with three other players averaging in double figures. JT Shumate averages 15.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while Setric Millner Jr. is averaging 14.3 points and RayJ Dennis is averaging 12.3 points per game. The Rockets average 81.3 points per game as a team.
Follow the Flashes
Home tickets for the 2021-22 season are on sale now. Fans are required to wear face coverings while inside the M.A.C. Center. For questions regarding ticket information, email athletictickets@kent.edu or call 330-672-4455.
Next up, the Flashes return home for a primetime showdown with Ohio on Friday, Feb. 18. Fans are encouraged to wear black for the game against Ohio.
For more information on the men's basketball team, follow Kent State Men's Basketball on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and visit kentstatesports.com for additional updates.
