Kent State University
UMass
Kent State to Open Up Mid-American Conference Play at UMass on Saturday Afternoon
12/19/2025 6:35:00 PM | Men's Basketball
AMHERST, Mass. – Kent State Men's Basketball (9-2) is looking to bounce back from their previous outing this weekend when they travel to the University of Massachusetts Amherst to begin their Mid-American Conference schedule. It marks the Blue and Gold's first ever trip to UMass, and the first MAC matchup for the Minutemen as a member of the conference. The Golden Flashes are coming off just their second loss of the 2025-2026 season this past weekend at the University of Portland.
Last Time Out
Most recently the Golden Flashes fell to Portland on the road by an 88-78 final score. An even up game through the first two media timeouts sitting 15 all with under 12 minutes to play in the first. Just under six minutes Quinn Woidke drained is fourth three of the first half. Jahari Williamson followed him up with a three and a hard driving layup to keep the separation for Kent State. Despite the effort, the Pilots went on a 13-2 to give them the lead with 2:40 left in the first that they were able to take into the break leading 39-36 at the half. The game see-sawed all through the second half. At 13:47 in the second the Golden Flashes retained possession on a play to keep the ball inbounds that Morgan Safford capitalized on with a three to tie the game on a 5-0 run. Cian Medley then made it 7-0 run in the paint. Portland responded with a 23-16 run over the next 10 minutes that they took into the final media timeout. Everything fell for the Pilots in the final three and a half minutes as Portland came away with the win.
The Golden Flashes vs. the Minutemen
This Saturday will be just the third meeting all-time between the Kent State and UMass men's basketball programs. Their first encounter was on Dec. 2, 1960, when the Golden Flashes defeated the Minutemen 78-53 inside the just 10-year-old M.A.C. Center. Their next matchup did not come until 25 years later. On Dec. 27, 1985, in Albuquerque, New Mexico the Blue and Gold bested UMass a second time by a 74-64 final as part of the Lobo Invitational. The MAC has a unique configuration of 13 teams in men's basketball during the 2025-2026 school year with UMass entering as a new member of the conference while Northern Illinois exists following this season. The Golden Flashes will make trips to both schools during this year's conference schedule.
Broadcast Info
Fans can tune into the game on Fox Sports Radio 1350 with Dane Richardson on the call. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Next Up for Kent State
Following this trip to UMass the Kent State will play their third consecutive road game at Purdue University. Tip-off between the Golden Flashes and Boilermakers is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 29 inside Mackey Arena at 7:00 p.m.
Follow Kent State Men's Basketball
For more information on Kent State Men's Basketball, fans can follow the team on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
Follow Kent State Athletics
For complete coverage of Kent State Athletics, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram , and Facebook for news and updates.
