Kent State University
20-7,11-3MAC
Bowling Green
16-11,7-7MAC
Golden Flashes Clinch 2026 MAC Tournament Berth with Road Win at Bowling Green
2/18/2026 1:32:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Kent State Men's Basketball (20-7, 11-3 MAC) clinched a berth in the 2026 MAC Tournament with a 78-71 victory over Bowling Green State University on Tuesday night at the Stroh Center. The Golden Flashes extended their winning streak over the Falcons to 14 games behind a dominant performance from Morgan Safford and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch.
Bowling Green grabbed an early advantage in the opening minutes, jumping out to an 8-4 lead. The Falcons held Kent State at arm's length through much of the first half, leading by as many as seven at 23-16. Safford kept the Flashes within striking distance, scoring 14 of Kent State's first 15 points via a flurry of three-pointers. The Blue and Gold caught fire late in the half, embarking on a decisive 12-0 run over 4:57 that flipped the momentum. Jahari Williamson capped the surge with a jumper and three-pointer, giving Kent State a 30-25 lead at the break. The second half saw both teams trading blows early as Bowling Green refused to fade. Javontae Campbell kept BG within striking distance, scoring 22 points on the night. The Golden Flashes began to pull away with under eight minutes to play, extending their lead to double digits on three-pointers from Safford and Quinn Woidke. Kent State leaned on their free-throw shooting in the final minutes, converting 22-of-31 in the second half. Delrecco Gillespie, Cian Medley, and Woidke combined to ice the game from the stripe as Bowling Green made a late push. By the final horn the Flashes led by seven points.
The Box Score Story
The victory clinched a berth in the 2026 MAC Tournament in Cleveland and marked the 20th win of the season. This marks the 10th time Coach Senderoff has led the Golden Flashes to 20 wins or more. Kent State has now won 14 straight over Bowling Green dating back to 2019. Safford erupted for 27 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including 5-of-10 from beyond the arc recording his second highest point total of the season. Medley orchestrated the offense with 15 points, six assists. Gillespie added 11 points, five rebounds, and two crucial blocks. Williamson chipped in eight points, all coming from long range. Kent State shot 70% from the free-throw line, converting 28-of-40 attempts with 22 coming in the second half.
Up Next
Kent State will be off for the next week. The squad will be back in action at home on Tuesday, Feb. 24 against Central Michigan University. Tip-off between the Flashes and Chippewas is set for 7:00 p.m.
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