Kent State University
Toledo
Golden Flashes to Clash with Toledo Rockets on Friday Evening
1/15/2026 4:52:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT – Kent State Men's Basketball (13-4) seeks to notch another Mid-American Conference victory on Friday evening when they welcome the University of Toledo Rockets to the M.A.C. Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. It is Kent State's first contest on national television this season (CBS Sports Network). It is also KSU's first meeting with UT since last season's historic 40-point home victory over the Rockets (Feb. 25, 2025).
Last Time Out
Kent State bounced back from their first conference loss of the season (Jan. 10) with a win against Buffalo on the road the night of Tuesday, Jan. 13. Points were at a premium in the early minutes as Kent State gained a 12-9 lead in the opening six minutes. Morgan Safford and Rayvon Griffith took advantage of their minutes in the first half at both ends of the floor. The Flashes held the Bulls to nine points for almost five minutes before another exchange of blows that saw the Blue and Gold lead 22-16 with under eight minutes to play in frame one. Delrecco Gillespie pushed it to 24 points followed by a trio of threes that included Safford, Quinn Woidke, and Rob Whaley Jr. Kent State kept their cushion around 10 points with Griffth throwing down a one-handed dunk as the Flashes took a 44-30 lead into the break. UB's Daniel Frietag began to heat up in the second half keeping Buffalo in the game. The Bulls were able to close the gap to six points (68-62) with under eight to play in the game. As the clock winded down the first cousins Recco and Rob made plays on both end of the floor to keep Kent State ahead. Safford and Cian Medley combined for seven points in the final 1:22 to keep Kent State out in front leading to an 87-81 win.
The Golden Flashes vs Toledo
The Kent State and Toledo men's basketball programs have an extensive history against each other that dates back to their first two meetings during the 1934-1935 season. All-time the Rockets own the series with the Golden Flashes sitting just 58 and 87 against Toledo. Kent State has held control as a late winning 10 of the last 14 meetings between the schools. The Flashes also hold a perfect 5-0 record against Toledo in neutral site contests. KSU seeks to extend their winning streak to four straight on Friday evening having swept the season series a year ago by totals of 83-64 (Jan. 21, 2025, in Toledo), and 105-65 (Feb. 25, 2025, in Kent).
Broadcast Info
The game will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network with Jack Gordon and BJ Taylor on the call. Fans can also tune into the game on Fox Sports Radio 1350 with Dane Richardson on the call.
Next Up for Kent State
Kent State returns to the MACC on Tuesday, Jan 20 to host the Miami (OH) University RedHawks. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
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