Kent State University
Southern Mississippi
Kent State Travels to Southern Mississippi for Second Game of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge
2/6/2026 7:19:00 PM | Men's Basketball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Kent State Men's Basketball team (17-6, 8-3 MAC) will take a one-game detour from their MAC schedule this weekend when they travel to take on the University of Sothern Mississippi Golden Eagles. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. eastern time in Reed Green Coliseum. It marks the completion of Kent State's non-conference schedule, their second game of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge, and their first meeting in history with Southern Mississippi.
Last Time Out
The Golden Flashes recently swept the season series with Toledo coming from behind to win 75-72. Kent State and Toledo seesawed back and forth in the opening half with the Rockets keeping their noses just in front. Both squads were shooting in the mid-40% over the first 15 minutes of play. Delrecco Gillespie led the charge for Kent State as the Flashes found success in crashing the glass. He had 13 of Kent State's first 29 points as the Rockets led at the break 36-29. While the threes began to fall for the Flashes at the start of the second half, so to were they for Toledo's Sonny Wilson. The Golden Flashes kept pace as Toledo went on a 23-17 run over the next 10 minutes. Kent State followed up with a 5-0 run to close the game to a 12-point deficit just under the eight-minute media timeout. Kent State turned it into 12-3 run bringing the deficit to single digits on a big three from Rayvon Griffith and a throw down by from Gillespie. Morgan Safford drained a three with 3:56 to play making it a five-point ballgame. Cian Medley tallied a layup that Safford followed up with an and one on the opposite end hitting the free throw to tie the game with 1:45 to play at 69-69. With under a minute to play Medley hit a second chance three-pointer with 44 second left to take a 72-69 lead. Quinn Woidke extended the lead for KSU while Leroy Blyden Jr. missed one of two for UT. Safford added a pair of free throws before Gillespie blocked a would-be three from Wilson completing the Kent State comeback and Toledo collapse.
The Golden Flashes vs. the Sun Belt
Kent State holds an 11-7 overall record against Sun Belt Conference opponents. The Flashes dropped their first game of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge at home on Nov. 3 against Troy in overtime 103-97. Kent State has been particularly dominant against Louisiana schools, going a combined 4-1 against La.-Lafayette (2-0) and La.-Monroe (2-1). The Golden Flashes also have strong records against Arkansas State (3-1) and hold perfect marks against Appalachian State, La.-Lafayette, and UALR. Their only losing record is against UT-Arlington, and they're split even with James Madison at 3-3. Overall, Kent State has proven competitive against Sun Belt competition with a winning percentage of 61.1%.
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 returns to MAC play on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at home against the Eagles of Eastern Michigan University at 7:00 p.m.
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