Kent State University
11-3,2-0MAC
Northern Illinois
5-9,1-2MAC
Kent State Hangs on to Defeat Northern Illinois
1/3/2026 4:36:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT – Kent State Men's Basketball (11-3) moved to 2-0 in Mid-American Conference play on Saturday afternoon defeating the Huskies of Northern Illinois University by a final score of 77-73. The Golden Flashes were able to overcome a difficult shooting day to stay just a ahead of NIU down the stretch. Â
The Blue and Gold took control out of the gate with cousins Delrecco Gillespie and Rob Whaley Jr. combining for a quick 14 points. Despite finding many good looks from deep the lid stayed on the rim for the Golden Flashes well into the first half. KSU was stonewalled at 22 points as Northern Illinois began to chip away at the lead. The Flashes were able to start heating up with under six minutes to play in the first with Morgan Safford making their first three of the game at the 4:37 mark. Though Kent State took a 47-29 lead into the break, the Huskies came out hot to start the second frame going on a 13 to 0 run to close the game to within 10. NIU's Makhai Valentine carried the Huskies as they closed the game to five points with 12:30 remaining. NIU ultimately outscored Kent State 47-30 in the second half. The Golden Flashes made several key stops while taking advantage of clutch free throws from Gillespie and Quinn Woidke to hang on for the 77-73 victory.
The Box Score Story
Saturday's win marked the fifth straight for Kent State over Northern Illinois. The win was also number 299 for Kent State Men's Basketball Head Coach Rob Senderoff as he closes in on a milestone. Gillespie led the Flashes in scoring putting up 28 for his eighth time leading KSU in scoring this season and his 13th game in double-digits. His cousin Rob Whaley Jr. tallied 16 points for his seventh double-digit performance of the season. He was just three points shy of his career high (21). The final Golden Flash to join them on the scoresheet in double-digits was Woidke with 10 points. He continues to lead Kent State's newcomers averaging 9.9 points per game.
Up Next
Kent State will host the Falcons of Bowling Green State University on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. inside the M.A.C. Center.
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