Kent State University
Ball State
Flashes Host Cardinals in MAC Tournament Preview
2/21/2022 6:09:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State men's basketball team (17-9, 12-4 MAC) hosts Ball State (12-14, 7-8 MAC) in a once in a lifetime Twos-day game inside the MAC Center at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
For the only time this century, the date is 2/22/22 and the Golden Flashes are offering multiple specials. Fans can use code DOUBLEDOUBLE at checkout until Midnight on Monday for two GA tickets for $22. Inside the arena, fans can enjoy a Happy Hour with $2 Budweiser and Bud Light along with a $2 food menu that includes a hot dog, chips and a fountain drink. Students will also be receiving their choice of not one, but two different giveaways.
The Golden Flashes have been on fire as of late, winning eight games in a row for the first time since the 2009-10 season. The Flashes currently possess the 8th-longest active winning streak in the entire country and are looking for their ninth win in a row for the first time since 2004.
The star-studded backcourt duo of Sincere Carry and Malique Jacobs have been the key to the Flashes success both offensively and defensively. Carry was named the Mid-American Conference's co-Player of the Week after propelling the Flashes past the top team in the conference twice in one week. He averaged 17.5 points, 6.0 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game in the two victories.
Jacobs provides suffocating energy on the defensive end for the Golden Flashes. He is tied for the team lead in steals and leads the team in rebounding. The former JUCO transfer held two elite MAC point guards in Ryan Rollins and Mark Sears to just 10 points each - well below their season averages. Jacobs is also the team's second-leading scorer at 11.8 points per game.
The Golden Flashes are lighting it up from beyond the arc during the eight-game win streak, shooting 41.6 percent. Carry leads the way with 21 made threes while shooting 45 percent, but the surrounding role players are connecting as well. Giovanni Santiago is shooting 48.6 percent from three off the bench, while Andrew Garcia and Tervell Beck are shooting over 40 percent each during the streak.
Scouting the Cardinals
After three straight losses, Ball State finally got back in the win column on Saturday night against Bowling Green. The Cardinals currently sit at sixth in the MAC standings, which means the matchup with the Flashes is a preview of the first round in Cleveland.
The Cards are led by Payton Sparks who leads the team with 13.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. The 6-9 true freshman center is well on his way to earning MAC Freshman of the Year honors. Sparks has recorded a double-double in four of his last five games. He's averaging 16.8 points and 11 rebounds over those five games.
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.
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.
