Kent State University
Central Michigan University
Flashes Look to Bounce Back on the Road against the Chippewas
1/12/2024 12:22:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, OH – The Kent State Men's basketball team is back on the road for their next two MAC games. The Flashes will start with Central Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 13, and then head to Northern Illinois to play NIU on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Tip-off time for Saturday afternoon's game is at 2 p.m. ET. Both games will be available on ESPN+.Â
Last time out
The Golden Flashes want to bounce back from their last two MAC losses. The Flashes are now 8-7 overall and are tied for third in the Mid-American Conference going into Saturday afternoon's game. The Flashes look to continue their two-game win streak against CMU after defeating the Chippewas in both games last season. The Flashes are led by Senior Chris Payton Jr. who has recorded double-digits 12Â times this season and four double-doubles. Payton Jr. has opened up the MAC averaging 16.7ppg and 6.7rpg while shooting 52.8 percent from the field and 40 percent from the three. Jalen Sullinger, recorded a 20+ point game against Toledo, his third time this season. Sullinger has recorded double-digits in 14 of the Flashes' 15 games. Despite the Flashes dealing wit with injuries, the Flashes have a bench that is capable of performing. The Flashes' bench has averaged 35 points per game in MAC play. Reigning MAC Freshman Player of the Year, Reggie Bass, will return to CMU for the first time since transferring. Bass averaged 12.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 30.9 minutes per game, led the Chippewas in assists (99), steals (33), and 3-pointers made (54). He also converted 82.0 percent (114-139) of his free throw attempts, hit 32.8 percent of his field goals (102-311), and averaged 13.7 points per game in MAC games. Jalen Sullinger will be another key component for Saturday's game as he has recorded double-digits in 14 of the Flashes' games and most recently recorded a 20+ point game against Toledo.Â
Key Players for the Chippewas
Central Michigan plays its fourth MAC game with a 2-1 MAC record and a 7-8 overall record on the year. The Chippewas look to extend their two-game winning streak against the Flashes on Saturday afternoon. The Chippewas are coming off an 80-64 road victory at Eastern Michigan on Tuesday in Ypsilanti, Mich. Central Michigan hit a season-high 11 3-pointers, and shot a season-high 61.2 percent from the field in their most recent game against Eastern Michigan. Three Chippewas—Brian Taylor, Derrick Butler, and Markus Harding—each scored a game-high 17 points to lead EMU. Anthony Pritchard added 12 points, all in the second half, and Aidan Rubio finished with nine points, all on 3-pointers. The Chippewas are led by point guard Anthony Pritchard who leads the Chippewas in a variety of statistical categories.
Series Match-up
The Flashes are currently on a two-game win streak against EMU. The Flashes defeated them away and home in the 2022-23 season. The Flashes are tied 20-20 at CMU. Three returning players, Chris Payton Jr., Giovanni Santiago, and Jalen Sullinger, all recorded double-digits in their home game against CMU in the 2022-23 season. Payton Jr. led the team with 18 points. Jalen Sullinger led the team with 14 points at EMU last season and Giovanni Santiago followed with 11 points last time they played at CMU.Â
Follow the Flashes
The Flashes will head to Northern Illinois for their next contest on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Tip-off time is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will also be available on ESPN+. Single-game tickets for the MAC 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.
