Kent State University
Northern Illinois
Flashes Prepare to Ring in the New Year at Home Against NIU on Saturday
1/2/2026 1:15:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT – Kent State Men's Basketball (10-3) is back at home inside the M.AC. Center this Saturday, Jan. 3 hosting the Huskies of Northern Illinois University. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and is the first of a Kent State hoops doubleheader as women's basketball hosts UMass following the men's game (3:30 p.m.). This will be the second game of KSU's MAC schedule, and the first of two regular season meetings with NIU prior to the Huskies' departure from the conference following the 2025-2026 season.
Last Time Out
Kent State will look to bounce back following a loss at #5 Purdue earlier this week. Kent State opened the game keeping pace with Purdue, answering with early buckets from Williamson and Woidke. Purdue led 15-12 with just under 13 minutes to play in the first. The Boilermakers utilized a 33-15 run to close the first half taking a 24 lead into the break. Kent State continued to fight in the second half with Williamson and Woidke seeking and finding good looks. Williamson became the first Flash to score double-digits. Gillespie and Safford both began to heat up in the second half. In the final three minutes of the game Brenden Moss made his second appearance for the Flashes, and Deandre Jones his third. The Golden Flashes fell by a final score of 101-60.
The Golden Flashes vs. Northern Illinois
Kent State and NIU look to renew a series that dates back to 1964. Saturday is the 70th meeting between the two programs. The Golden Flashes hold an overall record of 45-24 over the Huskies and seek to make it five straight victories over NIU. The teams last met in DeKalb on Jan. 7, 2025, with Kent State handling the Huskies by a final score of 68-50. Northern Illinois' last win in the series was on Jan. 24, 2023, winning at home 86-76. Following this season, NIU Men's Basketball will depart the MAC and start play in the Horizon League.
Broadcast Info
Fans can tune into the game on Fox Sports Radio 1350 with Dane Richardson on the call. The game will also be broadcast on ESPN+ with Cam Mana and Jana Ashley on the call.
Next Up for Kent State
Kent State will be back in action on Tuesday, Jan. 6 against Bowling Green State University. The Golden Flashes will tip-off against the Falcons in the M.A.C. Center 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.
