**Kent State Basketball Faces Key MAC Road Test After Thriller vs Miami (OH)**
Key Takeaways:
- Kent State Men’s Basketball aims to rebound against Eastern Michigan after a high-scoring overtime loss to Miami (OH)
- The Golden Flashes have a historically dominant record against the Eagles, winning eight of their last 10 matchups
- Saturday’s showdown is the first of two contests between Kent State and Eastern Michigan this season
Ypsilanti, Michigan — The topic “Kent State basketball” is trending nationwide as the team’s upcoming road game against Eastern Michigan University captures attention following a dramatic overtime clash with #25 Miami (OH). The Kent State Golden Flashes will face the EMU Eagles this Saturday in a key Mid-American Conference (MAC) matchup, tipping off at 3:30 p.m. at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti.
Kent State Seeks Bounce-Back After OT Heartbreaker
On January 20, the Golden Flashes suffered a narrow 107-101 overtime loss at home against nationally ranked Miami (OH). It was a high-octane contest that featured major momentum swings, including a spirited second-half comeback led by stars Rob Whaley Jr., Delrecco Gillespie, and Morgan Safford. Kent State erased a double-digit deficit to tie the game at 59, briefly taking the lead before Miami forced overtime in the final seconds. Despite a valiant effort from Cian Medley and others in the extra period, the Flashes fell short as missed opportunities and fouls wrote the final chapter.
Now sitting at 14-5 overall and 5-2 in MAC play, Kent State heads on the road hoping to regain momentum against an Eastern Michigan team it has historically dominated. Head coach Rob Senderoff‘s squad is focused on correcting defensive lapses and maintaining offensive discipline in Saturday’s game to stay in contention atop the MAC standings.
Historical Edge Favors Golden Flashes
Kent State leads the all-time series with Eastern Michigan 51–37, dating back to 1950. The programs began facing off annually in the 1973–74 season. The Golden Flashes have controlled recent matchups, winning eight of the last 10 meetings. Last season, Kent State swept Eastern Michigan, including a 70–49 victory in Ypsilanti on February 4, 2025, and a 76–70 win at home on Senior Night.
That second victory capped the regular season ahead of the 2025 MAC Tournament. In both games, the Flashes showed the resiliency and depth that have become hallmarks of Senderoff’s program. With strong showings from Whaley Jr. and consistent guard play, Kent State has emerged as a perennial conference power, aiming for another postseason run this year. The Jan. 27 matchup against Ohio University at home will follow after Saturday’s contest on the road.
Postseason Momentum and Conference Implications
The upcoming two-game stretch—Saturday against Eastern Michigan and Tuesday versus Ohio—will be critical in determining Kent State’s seed for the 2026 MAC Tournament. With a 5-2 conference record and still in striking distance of first-place Miami, navigating these games successfully could reestablish Kent as a top-two seed in the West Division.
Additionally, the performances of key players like Whaley Jr., Gillespie, Griffith, and shooters like Medley will remain under scrutiny. The offense has consistently posted strong numbers, demonstrated by the 101-point effort last week. However, defensive tightening and late-game execution are needed to avoid repeat heartbreakers.
Regardless, the ESPN+ broadcast and local Fox Sports Radio 1350 airing are expected to draw strong viewing numbers, further raising the team’s visibility as one of the more exciting mid-major programs this season. Saturday’s outcome could set the tone for the final push toward March Madness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Kent State basketball trending?
A: The team recently played an intense overtime game against #25 Miami (OH) and is preparing for a critical MAC road matchup against Eastern Michigan.
Q: What happens next?
A: Kent State plays Eastern Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 3:30 p.m., then hosts Ohio University at home on Jan. 27 for another MAC showdown.
#KentState #MACBasketball #GoldenFlashes #CollegeHoops #EasternMichiganGame
