Kent State University
24-8,14-4MAC
Ohio
15-17,9-9MAC
Gillespie and Safford Power Golden Flashes Past Ohio in MAC Tournament Quarterfinals
3/12/2026 10:49:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT - Kent State Men's Basketball (24-8) willed their way to an 86-75 victory over Ohio University in the quarterfinals of the Mid-American Conference Tournament on Thursday night at Rocket Arena. Delrecco Gillespie dropped 27 points with eight rebounds and Morgan Safford added 24 points as the third-seeded Golden Flashes advanced to Friday's semifinal round.
The game featured 12 lead changes and seven ties in a tightly contested first half. Ohio's Aidan Hadaway led the Bobcat charge early in the contest. Kent State answered with balanced scoring as Cian Medley knocked down an early three and Gillespie battled inside. The teams traded baskets throughout the opening 20 minutes, with neither side able to pull away. Safford connected on back-to-back three-pointers late in the half and Gillespie added a slam off an assist from Jahari Williamson as Kent State took a 40-38 advantage into the half. The Blue and Gold seized control in the second half behind Gillespie's attack. The senior forward went to the free-throw line repeatedly down the stretch converting 11-of-13 attempts while adding six second-half field goals. Safford provided crucial support, scoring 14 second-half points and finishing 8-of-12 from the field overall. Kent State extended its lead to 15 points at 67-52 with 9:50 left to play. The Flashes shot 54.2% from the field in the second half and dominated at the charity stripe making 18-of-23 free throws to keep the Bobcats at arm's length and seal the 11-point victory.
The Box Score Story
The win marks a trip to the MAC Tournament semifinals for the fifth straight time for the first time in program history. Gillespie's 27 points led all scorers while his 11-of-13 free-throw performance proved decisive. Safford finished with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Whaley Jr. added 14 points and four rebounds while Medley contributed 11 points, and seven assists orchestrate the offense. Kent State dominated in the paint with a 42-36 advantage. The Flashes converted 21-of-29 free throws compared to Ohio's 24-of-32 and forced 12 Bobcat turnovers while committing just five themselves. Kent State's bench contributed five points as the starters carried the load in the tournament victory.
Next Up for Kent State
Kent State will take on the University of Akron on Friday night in the tournament semifinals. The game is estimated for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off and will be the 12th meeting in MAC Tournament history between the Kent State Golden Flashes and Akron Zips.
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