Kent State University
12-7,3-4MAC
Ohio
11-8,5-2MAC
Bobcats Edge Golden Flashes in Friday Night Thriller
1/24/2025 10:26:00 PM | Men's Basketball
ATHENS, Ohio – Kent Men's Basketball dropped a close contest to the Ohio University Bobcats on Friday by a final score of 61-59. Cli'Ron Hornbeak tallied his third double-double of the season, and VonCameron Davis reached double-digits in scoring for the 50th time in his career.
Following an opening burst from Ohio, Kent State found rhythm after the first media timeout. The Flashes then pushed forward for a slight lead thanks in no small part to Hornbeak and Jalen Sullinger. KSU led by seven by the under 8:00 media timeout. The Bobcats closed the half on a 13-6 run from that point. Marquis Barnett made a driving layup at the buzzer to give the Golden Flashes a 29-28 lead at the break. It remained anyone's game through most of the second half. VonCameron Davis sunk a floating jump shot with just under 10 to play giving Kent State a brief lead, which Ohio answered with center arch three. At 6:25 Davis dropped a three of his own to tie the game back up at 49. Under three left to play Kent State retook the lead capitalizing on some key defensive rebounds. An Ohio 9-1 run had them sitting with a 61-59 in the final seconds as Kent State was unable to capitalize in their final possessions.
Hornbeak's 13 points and 11 rebounds marked his fourth career double-double and his third on the season thus far. His other two came against Cleveland State (Nov. 23), and against NIU (Jan. 7) when he was joined by his teammate Davis. Hornbeak's 11 rebounds led the Flashes. Davis also tallied 13 points against OU marking double-digit performance number 50 for the redshirt senior. He has done so in 15 of Kent State's 19 games so far this season. Marquis Barnett's 10 points marked his fifth time doing so this year, and his second in a row.
The Golden Flashes will be back in action on Tuesday, Jan. 28 hosting the Bowling Green State University Falcons. Tipoff in the M.A.C. Center is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. For more information on Kent State men's basketball, fans can follow the team on X, Instagram and Facebook.
