Golden Flashes to Play in National Invitation Tournament for the Second Consecutive Season
3/15/2026 10:46:00 PM | Men's Basketball
INDIANAPOLIS – Kent State Men's Basketball (24-19) has punched their ticket to the 2026 National Invitation Tournament. The Golden Flashes will play on the road at Illinois State University on Wednesday, March 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. This following a strong season that saw the blue and gold reach the Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinal.
 "It's a great honor for us to be selected to play in the National Invitational Tournament.', coach Senderoff said. "We won 24 games and 14 league games, so I am glad this team got recognized with the opportunity to play in the postseason. I am excited for this group to get to play again.
This marks the 11th season the Kent State Men's Basketball program has received a bid to play in the NIT. Last season the Golden Flashes reached the tournament's quarterfinal round defeating St. Bonaventure University and Stanford University before falling to Loyola University Chicago.
Prior to 2025, Kent State last competed in the NIT during the 2010-2011 season defeating Saint Mary's and Fairfield before falling to Colorado.
Be The Difference, Support the Men's Basketball Excellence Fund
Support the men's basketball program today by donating to the Men's Basketball Excellence Fund by clicking here.
Follow Kent State Men's Basketball
For more information on Kent State Men's Basketball, fans can follow the team on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
Follow Kent State Athletics
For complete coverage of Kent State Athletics, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram , and Facebook for news and updates.
