Kent State University
Central Michigan
Kent State to Host Central Michigan on Tuesday Night
2/23/2026 5:31:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT – Kent State Men's Basketball (20-7, 11-3 MAC) returns to the floor after a bye week to host the Chippewas of Central Michigan University on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. inside the M.A.C. Center. Most recently the Golden Flashes clinched a spot in the MAC Championship Tournament in Cleveland with their Feb. 17 win over Bowling Green. Central Michigan is one of only three MAC losses the Flashes have sustained this season. KSU will seek to even the season series on Tuesday night.
Last Time Out
Kent State downed Bowling Green by a final score of 78-71 on Feb. 17. 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.
The Golden Flashes vs. Central Michigan
Tuesday's matchup will be the renewal of a series that first began in January of 1950 when the Kent State and Central Michigan men's basketball programs first played. It will be the 92nd meeting in a series that historically Kent State has owned. The Golden Flashes hold a 55-37 record against the Chippewas all-time. Kent State holds a 34-11 record against CMU at home, however a 20-22 record when playing on the road. Central Michigan also holds an undefeated 4-0 record over Kent State at neutral site games. Kent State will be seeking their 35th win at home against the Chippewas, and a season series evening victory having lost 87-85 in Mount Pleasant on Jan. 10.
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+ with Matt Kiraly and Jana Ashley on the call.
Next Up for Kent State
Kent State will host the University of Akron on Friday, Feb. 27 in their second matchup of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. inside the M.A.C. Center.
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