Kent State University
Ohio University
Flashes Gear up to Host Ohio for their Coaches vs. Cancer Game Inside the M.A.C. Center
1/25/2024 6:07:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, OH - After a thrilling OT win on the road against Bowling Green, the Flashes will return to the M.A.C. Center.
The Flashes will play their fourth nationally televised game against Ohio on Friday, Jan. 26 on CBS Sports Network. Fran Charles and Jordan Cornette will have the call on tomorrow's live game. Friday's game will be the Flashes' "Black Out" and "Coaches vs. Cancer" game. Fans are encouraged to wear black, while the first 500 students will recieve a free black replica jersey. Our "Coaches vs. Cancer" game is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. We hope to bring awareness to cancer awareness and promote healthy living. Tip-off time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.
Last Time Out
The Flashes broke Bowling Green's seven-game win streak at home with a 90-84 victory. With this victory, the Flashes are now (3-4) in the Mid-American Conference and (10-9) overall.
Reigning MAC Sixth Man of the Year, Jalen Sullinger, has led the Flashes in MAC play. Sullinger tied his career-high of 30 points against Bowling Green and averages 17 points per game in MAC games. VonCameron Davis has been a force for the Flashes in the past several MAC games recording a double-double with 21 points and tied his career-high of 10 rebounds. Davis has recorded double-digit points in every MAC play averaging 16.1 points. Chris Payton, Jr. adds 13.9 points and 7.8 boards a game, while shooting 51.4 percent from the field.
The Flashes average 78.5 points per game while holding a +3.9 scoring margin. The Flashes are also shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 76.0 percent from the foul line. Over the past 25 seasons, the Flashes hold a 296-72 (.804) record at home. Kent State hasn't lost more than four home games in a single season since 2016-17.
Key Players for The Bobcats
Overall the Bobcats are 9-10 and 3-4 in the MAC going into Friday night's game. Key players that the Flashes will need to keep an eye on are senior guard Jaylin Hunter and guard Shereef Mitchell. Both of these players are averaging a team-high of 13.4 points for the Bobcats. Jaylin Hunter earned second-team All-MAC preseason honors. He recorded his 1,000th career point on Nov. 11th against Cleveland State. Hunter also averages 4.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 31 minutes per game.
The Bobcats are coming to Kent after a tough loss of 67-58 against Akron, where Shereef Mitchell recorded 14 points, and Jaylin Hunter followed with 11. The Bobcats will look to capture their first road game of the season.
Series Matchup
This will be the 156th time these two teams compete against each other. The Flashes are on a four-game winning streak against Ohio, however, Ohio leads the all-time series 97-58. The last time these two teams met was February 2023, when the Flashes came out on top 82-75. During last year's victory, Chris Payton Jr. recorded double digits along with a game-high nine rebounds.
Follow the Flashes
The Flashes will stay home on Tuesday, January 30th for their next match-up. Kent State will take on Miami University (OH) at 7 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN+. Single-game tickets for the the MAC 2023-24 season is 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
