Kent State University
15-15,8-9MAC
Ball State University
15-15,7-10MAC
Flashes Fall to the Cardinals on the Road
3/5/2024 10:10:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Muncie, IN - The Kent State men's basketball team (15-15, 8-9 MAC) returned to action Tuesday night (March 5) falling to Ball State (15-15, 7-10 MAC),76-69, inside Worthen Center.
Overall, the Flashes shot 40.9 percent from the field, 31 percent from three, and 85.7 percent from the charity stripe. The Cardinals outshot the Flashes from the field shooting 43.1 percent and outrebounded the Flashes 39 to 32. Both teams struggled with turnovers recording 12 each.
Individually, Reggie Bass led offensively with 17 points while VonCameron Davis recorded 16 and Jalen Sullinger added 14. Cli'Ron Hornbeak led the defense collecting seven boards. For the Cardinals, both Jalin Anderson and Davion Bailey recorded 20+ points each. Mickey Pearson Jr. and Ben Hendricks helped seal their victory with double-digits as well. Mason Jones recorded a game-high 10 boards and a team-high three assists.
The Cardinals started the game out with a 5-0 run before Mike Bekelja put up a three to get the Flashes on the board. Despite VonCameron Davis hitting a layup to tie the game the Cardinals took advantage at the charity stripe and held the lead for the rest of the first half.
With 15:23 left in the first half, the Cardinals went on an 8-0 run to take the lead 13-5. The Flashes continued to struggle recording eight turnovers in the first 20 minutes. Cardinals took the lead by double digits before head Coach Rob Senderoff took a 30-second time out with 12:40 left. The Cardinals would then go on another five-point run before Julius Rollins came off the bench hitting a field goal. The Flashes used Rollins' momentum with a three from Jalen Sullinger and Reggie Bass with less than two minutes left only trailing by two points. Unfortunately, the Cardinals responded and took a 37-40 lead with less than a minute left.
The second half looked a lot like the first with the Flashes struggling with fouls and not being able to stop the Cardinals offensively. The Flashes would gain their first lead of the game after Reggie Bass was sent to the foul line and took a 50-49 lead with 15:34 left. Both teams continued to trade buckets but the Cardinals would come out on top after the Flashes struggled to get buckets and make stops. The Cardinals sealed the deal with 13 made foul shots in the final 20 minutes of regulation.
Follow the Flashes
Next up, the Golden Flashes will play their last regular season game on the road on Friday, March 8. Friday's game will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m. ET. After the Flashes' victory over Central Michigan, the Flashes clinched a spot in the 2024 MAC Tournament. Tickets for the 2023-24 MAC Tournament at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse are on sale now. For any questions regarding ticket information, email athletictickets@kent.edu or call 330-672-4455.
