Kent State University
15-14,8-8MAC
Central Michigan University
16-13,10-6MAC
Flashes Pick Up OT Win over CMU on Senior Day
3/2/2024 6:50:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, OH - The Kent State men's basketball team (15-14, 8-8 MAC) was back at home Saturday afternoon (Mar. 2), with an OT win over Central Michigan (16-13, 10-6 MAC), 79-73, at the M.A.C. Center. The Flashes finished the season at home with a four-game winning streak inside the M.A.C. Center.
Overall the Flashes shot 38.5 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from the three, and 79.2 percent from the charity stripe. The Chippewa were able to outshoot the Flashes from the field shooting 46.9 percent but they struggled from the three only shooting 18.8 percent. Despite this, Kent State emerged victorious, only recording two turnovers while Central Michigan had 11.
Individually, Giovanni Santiago finished the afternoon with 21 points, accompanied by Sullinger's 16 points. VonCameron Davis contributed 11 points along with Tyem Freeman's 13 points. Cli'Ron Hornbeak was a vital component of the Flashes' defense as he recorded nine rebounds. Jemel Davis scored 16 points and grabbed four rebounds for the Chippewas while his teammate, Paul McMillan IV, also scored 16 points.
Kent State began the first half slow, allowing the Chippewas to put up the first points. However, Jalen Sullinger quickly responded with a basket. Despite this, the Flashes struggled to maintain momentum, enduring an eight-minute scoring drought. Giovanni Santiago brought the energy into the team with two crucial three-pointers. As the half came to a close, Central Michigan held a slim three-point lead, with the score standing at 25-28.
The Flashes, with a fighting spirit, came out swinging in the second half. With a lot of back and forth between both teams, the lead was up for grabs. With just under four minutes of play left, Kent State's Jalen Sullinger knocked down a three-pointer to take the lead by one. With two free throws made by VonCameron Davis, the Flashes forced overtime.
Giovanni Santiago hit a three to start overtime and the Flashes followed with a steal leading to a foul on Central Michigan. With 2:25 left, the Chippewas tied the game at 71. After a foul on Central Michigan, Reggie Bass was able to take back the lead with 2:02 but CMU answered with a layup. As overtime was coming to an end, Mike Bekelja hit a three to put the Flashes up by four. With a 7-0 run and Santiago's nine points in OT Kent State secured the win, 79-73.
Head Coach Rob Senderoff only had great words to say about the seniors "Giovanni has been here for five years and that's a guy our players look up to. I am happy we were able to get this win with his whole family here. Chris has had a huge impact on our team, especially going into March Madness last season. It is unfortunate he ended the season like this, but it shows our guys you never know what can happen and to play your hardest every game."
Follow the Flashes
Next up, the Golden Flashes will return on the road to face off the Ball State Cardinals on Tuesday, March 5, at 7:00 p.m. The game can be watched on ESPN+. 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.
