Kent State University
8-5,1-0MAC
Ball State University
8-5,0-1MAC
Flashes Defeat the Cardinals for their First MAC Win
1/2/2024 10:50:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, OH -The Kent Men's Basketball team (8-5) won their first Mid-American Conference game of the 2023-24 season against Ball State this evening 82-60. This is the second year in a row the Flashes take their MAC opener. The Flashes will look ahead to head to Eastern Michigan this Saturday. Tip-off time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
With the Flashes dealing with injuries, they introduced a new starting lineup that included Brenden Moss and Julius Rollins, capturing their first career start. Chris Payton Jr. took control of the game early recording the Flashes' first nine points. The game started with four lead changes and two ties in the first half. Cardinals' guard, Davion Bailey recorded double digits in the first to help the Cardinals stay in the game. The Flashes led the first 20 minutes by double digits after recording 28 points from inside the paint and took advantage at the charity stripe, shooting 81.3 percent.
Despite the Flashes leading by 19 points early in the second half, Cardinals' Basheer Jihad recorded a three-pointer to trim the deficit to seven. The Flashes answered, going on a 6-0 scoring run and led by double figures for the remainder of the game. Chris Payton Jr. once again led the Flashes with 20 points, six boards, and two blocks. Four other Flashes followed with double digits including VonCameron Davis with 14, Tyem Freeman with a season-high 13, and Reggie Bass (11) and Jalen Sullinger (13) who both came off the bench. The bench ran deep for the Flashes, recording 42 points from non-starters.
As a whole the Flashes controlled points in the paint recording 46 to the Cardinals' 24. The Flashes continued to show why they are ranked 15th in the NCAA and first in the MAC going 21-of-24 from the free throw line. The Flashes outshot the Cardinals shooting 52.8 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from the three.
Follow the Flashes
Next up, the Golden Flashes will be back on the road to face Eastern Michigan on Saturday, January 6. Tip-off time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be available on ESPN+ and can be heard on ESPN Cleveland. Tickets for the 2023-24 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 on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and visit kentstatesports.com for additional updates.
