Kent State University
22-8,13-4MAC
Northern Illinois
9-20,4-13MAC
Golden Flashes Roll Past Northern Illinois
3/3/2026 11:14:00 PM | Men's Basketball
DEKALB, Ill. – Kent State Men's Basketball (22-8, 13-4 MAC) put on an offensive clinic Tuesday night, cruising to a 102-76 victory over Northern Illinois University at the Convocation Center. The Golden Flashes went 15-for-33 from three-point range while converting 29-of-35 free throws in the commanding road win. The margin of victory was Kent State's largest in conference play this season.
Kent State set the tone early, jumping out to a 16-14 lead behind balanced scoring from multiple players. Cian Medley caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting a trio of first-half three-pointers as the Flashes began to pull away. Quinn Woidke provided a spark off the bench with four first-half three-pointers, including back-to-back triples in a 90-second span that stretched the lead to double digits. Jahari Williamson joined the long-range barrage, knocking down three triples of his own as Kent State's offense clicked on all cylinders. The Golden Flashes shot 51.5% from the field in the opening half and connected on 10-of-21 from three-point range. Kent State led 51-28 at the break with a trio of player already in double-digits. The Blue and Gold maintained control throughout the second half, stretching the lead to as many as 36 points. Williamson remained hot from distance, finishing with six three-pointers and 18 points. Delrecco Gillespie powered his way to 18 points despite hitting just five field goals, converting 8-of-10 free throws while battling inside. Medley orchestrated the offense with four assists to go along with his 16 points. The Flashes dominated at the charity stripe in the second half, making 22-of-27 free throws to keep the Huskies at bay. Dezmon Briscoe provided quality minutes off the bench with nine points and five assists, while Rob Whaley Jr. had an efficient night with 11 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting. Dylan Lakatos hit the final three for Kent State off the bench as time winded down to the celebration of the Flashes' bench and fans in attendance.
The Box Score Story
Five Flashes tallied double-digits in the win. Williamson matched Gillespie with a team-high 18 points, going 6-of-10 from three-point range. Medley stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Woidke led the reserves with 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Whaley Jr. was perfect from the field with 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting. Kent State dominated the glass with a 41-33 rebounding advantage and forced 16 NIU turnovers. The Flashes scored 24 fast-break points and dished out 21 assists on 29 field goals. Their 102 points marked the sixth time Kent State crossed the century mark this year. Kent State handed NIU their final home loss as a member of the Mid-American Conference, as they will begin play in the Horizon League after this season.
Next Up for Kent State
Kent State will play their final home game of the season this Friday, March 6 in the M.A.C. Cetner against Western Michigan University. Tip-off between the Golden Flashes and Broncos is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Senior night recognition will take place during pregame.Â
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