Kent State University
11-3,1-0MAC
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Western Michigan
4-10,0-1MAC
Flashes Capture First MAC Win
1/3/2023 10:21:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, Ohio - The Kent State men's basketball team (11-3) won their first MAC game of the 2022-23 season 80-72 against Western Michigan this evening. The Flashes are now 7-0 at home for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
Despite changes in the starting lineup and two starters fouling out, the Flashes were able to push past the Broncos. As soon as the whistle blew both teams played with a lot of energy, but neither team seemed to be able to gain the lead. The Flashes took advantage of free throws shooting a perfect 15-of-15 from the line in the first half.
Jalen Sullinger came off the bench hot pouring in a game-high 18 points. The sophomore guard shot nearly flawlessly, shooting 86 percent from the field and 75 percent from beyond the arch. Sullinger's 18 points were the fifth time this season recording double-digits. VonCameron Davis started his second game of the season contributing 16 points and tied for a team-high eight rebounds.
Chris Payton led the defense with eight rebounds tying his career-high and was effective on the court as the team scored +17 points in Payton's 18 minutes.
The Broncos did not give up, even when they were down by 17 points in the second half, and climbed back within two points. The Flashes answered after Giovanni Santiago hit a deep three with two minutes left which created an atmosphere that the team needed.
The Broncos shot 51.0 percent (26-of-51) from the floor and connected on 82.4 percent (14-of-17) at the free-throw line. The Golden Flashes hit 40.4 percent (23-of-57) of their field goal attempts for the evening and went 23-of-25 (92.0 percent) at the foul line.
Follow the Flashes
Next up, the Golden Flashes are back on the road on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 3:30 p.m. against Miami (OH).
Tickets for the 2022-23 season are on sale now. 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 Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and visit kentstatesports.com for additional updates.
