Kent State University
10-10,3-5MAC
Ohio University
10-10,4-4MAC
Flashes Fall to Bobcats
1/26/2024 10:01:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, OH - The Kent State men's basketball team (10-10, 3-5 MAC) returned to action Friday night (Jan. 26), falling to Ohio (10-4, 4-4 MAC), 71-64, inside the M.A.C. Center.
Tonight is the first time the Flashes have been defeated by Ohio inside the M.A.C. Center since 2014. Overall, the Flashes shot 42.4 percent from the field, 55.6 percent from the charity stripe, and struggled only shooting 17.4 percent from the three. The Bobcats outshot the Flashes shooting 44.8 percent from the field, 37.9 percent from the three, and 61.5 percent from the line. The Flashes outrebounded the Bobcats 41 to 33 but struggled as the Bobcats forced the Flashes to 15 turnovers turning those into 16 points.
Individually, Tyem Freeman led the Flashes recording 16 points off the bench and grabbing a game-high nine boards. Chris Payton Jr. followed with 13 points and six boards and VonCameron Davis added 11 points. Both Jalen Sullinger and Giovanni Santiago dished out four assists each.
Despite the Flashes starting the game with a 6-0 run, the Bobcats came back with a 9-2 run to take the lead with 14:07 left in the first half forcing the Flashes to take a timeout. The Flashes gave it back to the Bobcats going on another 8-0 run to take the lead once again 16-15. The teams traded buckets and ended the first half with five lead changes and one tie. The Flashes tried to hold grip on a two-point lead, but the Bobcats recorded another three taking the lead by just one point going into the final 20 minutes.
The Flashes started the second half with Tyem Freeman getting a put-back dunk to give the Flashes the lead, followed by a three-pointer from Freeman. With a one-handed dunk, Chris Payton Jr brought the fire back to the arena for the Flashes. The teams continued to battle, but the Bobcats would soon go on a 9-0 run with 7:30 remaining in the game. The Flashes struggled from both the three and foul line giving the Bobcats the lead that needed to capture their first road win.
Follow the Flashes
Next up, the Golden Flashes will return home to face Miami of Ohio on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 7:00 p.m. The game can be watched on ESPN+. 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.
