Kent State University
21-7,12-3MAC
Central Michigan
9-19,5-10MAC
Golden Flashes Rally Down the Stretch to Edge Central Michigan
2/24/2026 11:49:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT – Kent State Men's Basketball (21-7, 12-3 MAC) overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Central Michigan University 83-81 on Tuesday night at the MACC. The Golden Flashes outscored the Chippewas 51-39 in the second half, capping the comeback with a Rob Whaley Jr. game-winner at the buzzer.
Central Michigan came out firing in the opening half, shooting 55.2% from the field and connecting on seven three-pointers to build their advantage. The Chippewas jumped out to a 20-7 lead. The Blue and Gold trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half before closing the gap slightly. Jahari Williamson knocked down a pair of late first half threes to trim the deficit, and Delrecco Gillespie added a dunk and free throw in the final minute to make it 42-32 at the break.
Kent State flipped the script in the second half. Quinn Woidke ignited the comeback with a trio of three-pointers as the Flashes began chipping away at the lead. Cian Medley orchestrated the offense with six assists and clutch buckets, while Morgan Safford heated up with 12 second-half points. The Flashes tied the game at 80-80 on a pair of Medley free throws with 1:14 remaining. After Phat Phat Brooks gave Central Michigan an 81-80 lead at the free-throw line with 18 seconds left, Kent State set up for the final possession. Whaley Jr. took a jumper from just outside the paint that dropped through as the clock hit .1 to play. The Chippewas inbounded their final possession on a long pass but were unsuccessful allowing the Flashes to take the 83-81 win.
The Box Score Story
Woidke led the bench with 15 points on 4-of-4 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. Williamson added 16 points with four three-pointers. Gillespie posted his 21st double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds continuing to lead the nation. Medley stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, six assists, and two steals while running the offense. He is just one assist away from tying the program record at 180, and two away from breaking it at 181. Safford contributed 14 points and Whaley Jr. finished with 10, including the game-winner. Kent State shot 59.1% in the second half and converted 22-of-28 free throws on the night. The Flashes outscored Central Michigan 32-26 in the paint and 18-15 in second-chance points.
Up Next
Kent State will be back in action on Friday, Feb. 27 against rival the University of Akron. Tip-off between the Golden Flashes and Zips is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. in the M.A.C. Center. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. The game will be national televised on ESPNU.
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