Kent State University
Ball State
Golden Flashes Back in Action at Ball State on Saturday Afternoon
2/13/2026 6:41:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Kent State Men's Basketball team (18-7, 9-3 MAC) travels to Ball State University this weekend for their only scheduled regular season meeting with the Cardinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in BSU's Worthen Arena. The Flashes have dropped their last two meetings with Ball State last beating the Cardinals on Jan. 2, 2024, at home 82-69.
Last Time Out
Most recently Kent State came from behind to sweep the season series with Eastern Michigan University. EMU shot a scorching 64.52% from the field in the first half. The Eagles' hot shooting allowed them to build a 47-40 halftime advantage despite Kent State connecting on six of 13 three-pointers in the opening 20 minutes. Kent State came out with renewed energy to start the second half, cutting into the deficit early. The Golden Flashes pulled even at 70-70 on a Cian Medley jumper with 6:55 remaining, capping an impressive comeback. The teams exchanged leads over the next several minutes with neither squad able to pull away. Jahari Williamson gave Kent State a 73-72 lead on a three-point play with 6:04 to go, converting all three free throws. Quinn Woidke provided a crucial three-pointer with 3:51 left to extend the Kent State lead to 80-77. After Eastern Michigan's Mohammad Habhab tied it at 80-80, Woidke converted two free throws to put the Flashes up 82-80 with 2:56 remaining. Safford then gave the Golden Flashes breathing room with a jumper in the paint and a free throw pushing the advantage to 87-83 with 1:36 to play. Kent State made 11 of its final 12 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory. Medley added two free throws with 1:15 remaining to extend the lead to 88-83. After Green pulled EMU within three at 88-85, Safford converted four straight free throws over the final 41 seconds to ice the game.
The Golden Flashes vs. Ball State
Kent State and Ball State have faced off 93 times since their first meeting in 1921-22, with Kent State holding a narrow 50-43 all-time edge. Following their first meeting, the series began to be yearly starting during the 1962-1963 season. The series has been defined by home-court advantage—Kent State dominates at home (33-12) but struggles in Muncie (14-31). After Ball State controlled much of the 1960s to the 1990s, Kent State turned the tide with a dominant stretch from 1999-2019, winning 21 of 26 meetings including 15 straight between 2006 and 2018. Ball State has won the last two matchups, including a 75-67 victory in Kent on Jan. 4, 2025.
Broadcast Info
Fans can tune into the game on Fox Sports 1350 with Dane Richardson on the call. The game will also be broadcast on ESPN+.
Next Up for Kent State
Kent State will be back in action on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Bowling Green State University. Tip-off between the Golden Flashes and Falcons is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. inside the Stroh Center.
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