Kent State University
Ball State University
Flashes Host Ball State For MAC Opener
1/1/2024 6:31:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, OH – The Kent State Men's basketball team will open up in 2024 with their first MAC game. The Flashes host Ball State on Tuesday, Jan. 2 inside the M.A.C. Center. Tip of time is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. This will be both teams' Mid-American Conference Opener. The game can be watched on ESPN+ and heard on ESPN Cleveland.
Last time out
The Golden Flashes wrapped up their non-conference schedule against Saint Mary's College. The Flashes were defeated 46–66 inside UCU Pavilion. The Flashes will look to start the MAC season off strong as the reigning 2023 MAC Champions. The Flashes were only defeated three times in MAC play last season. Despite the Flashes' road loss, they have caused issues for their nonconference opponents. The Flashes have forced their opponents' offense into 16.7 TO's per contest, good for first in the conference and 13th in the country. The Flashes are led by Senior Chris Payton Jr. who has recorded double-digits nine times this season and three double-doubles. The Flashes' starting lineup includes three players with double digits. The Flashes lead the MAC in scoring offense (79.9 points per game), steals per game (8.2), and free throw percentage (77.5), which ranks No. 14 in NCAA Division I.
Key Players for the Cardinals
The Cardinals are currently 8-4 overall and 1-3 on the road. The team lost four starters from the 2022-23 season. Juniors Mickey Pearson Jr. and Basheer Jihad headline the returning Ball State players, as they averaged 7.7 points and 5.5 rebounds and 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. The 2023-24 roster includes three transfers and five true freshmen. The Cardinals came out short against Big Ten opponent, Minnesota, 80-63 on December 21. Jalin Anderson recorded 26 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks against Minnesota and Jihad recorded 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Jihad leads the Cardinals in scoring (18.3 points per game) and rebounding (7.2) averages.
Series Match-up
The Flashes (7-5) and Cardinals (8-4) meet for the 92nd time in series history. Last season, each team won the games played on its home court, Kent State had a double-digit 86-65 win on Jan. 20 while Ball State took the second matchup of the 2022-23 season 82-70 on Feb. 21. The Cardinals are 11-32 inside the M.A.C. Center. The last time the two teams met inside Flashes' territory both Chris Payton Jr. and Jalen Sullinger recorded double-digits.
Follow the Flashes
The Flashes will return on the road Saturday, Jan. 6 to play Eastern Michigan, their first road MAC game of the season. Tip-off time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Single-game tickets for the non-conference and MAC conference 2023-24 season are on sale now. Season tickets are also available and start at $85. For any questions regarding ticket information, email athletictickets@kent.edu or call 330-672-4455.
