Kent State Seek Consecutive Wins, Ohio Aim to End Losing Streak
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Ohio Bobcats: MAC Basketball Showdown
The Kent State Golden Flashes (12-6, 3-3 MAC) will travel to Athens, Ohio, to face off against the Ohio Bobcats (10-8, 4-2 MAC) in a crucial Mid-American Conference (MAC) matchup on Friday, January 26, 2025. With both teams having experienced contrasting results in their previous games, this contest presents an exciting opportunity for either squad to make a statement. Kent State comes off a dominant win over Toledo, while Ohio seeks to bounce back after a tough loss to Eastern Michigan. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this intense MAC rivalry game.
Kent State Golden Flashes: Looking for Consecutive Wins
Kent State comes into this game with confidence after a strong 83-64 victory over Toledo on the road, snapping a two-game losing streak. The Golden Flashes have had a solid season overall, sitting at 12-6 with a 3-3 conference record, tied for fifth in the MAC. In their last game, Kent State seized control early, jumping out to a 9-2 lead and never looked back, leading by as many as 21 points at one point. They shot an impressive 56.6% from the field, including 12 of 19 from three-point range, and dominated the glass with a 30-20 rebounding advantage.
Despite the impressive win, Kent State has struggled offensively this season, ranking 280th in the nation in scoring offense with an average of 70.3 points per game. However, their defense has been solid, ranking 30th in the country by allowing just 64.7 points per game. VonCameron Davis has been the standout player, leading the team with 15.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He’s supported by Morgan Safford (10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds) and Cli’Ron Hornbeak (8.4 points, 6.2 rebounds), who provide strong secondary scoring options.
Kent State will need to improve their three-point shooting (28.6% on the season) and rebounding (170th nationally with 35.9 rebounds per game) to compete consistently in conference play. They’ll also rely on their defense to stifle Ohio’s high-powered offense.
Ohio Bobcats: Striving to End Losing Streak
Ohio, on the other hand, enters this matchup looking to rebound from a tough 94-87 loss to Eastern Michigan, their second straight defeat. The Bobcats, who were 8.5-point favorites in the game, struggled defensively and allowed Eastern Michigan to shoot a scorching 60.3% from the floor. Ohio managed to shoot 53.2% from the field themselves but couldn’t keep up with the Eagles’ offensive barrage. Despite the loss, Jackson Paveletzke had a standout performance, scoring 28 points in the defeat.
The Bobcats boast one of the most potent offenses in the MAC, ranking 42nd in the nation with 81.4 points per game. Their shooting has been efficient, with a 47.7% field goal percentage on the season. However, their defense has been a concern, ranking 296th in the country by allowing 75.9 points per game. Ohio has shown defensive vulnerabilities, which Kent State will look to exploit.
Ohio has a balanced attack with multiple scoring threats. Aidan Hadaway (10.4 points, 5.7 rebounds) and Shereef Mitchell (10.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3 assists) provide consistent scoring, while Jackson Paveletzke (12.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists) and AJ Clayton (15.5 points per game) are key contributors. Ohio will need to tighten up defensively and control the glass—an area where they’ve struggled, ranking 258th nationally with just 34.6 rebounds per game.
Conclusion
This MAC rivalry game promises to be an exciting and competitive showdown. With Kent State coming off a big win and Ohio looking to snap a losing streak, both teams will be motivated to prove themselves in conference play. While Ohio’s offense is capable of lighting up the scoreboard, Kent State’s defensive prowess and ability to dominate the glass should give them the edge in this matchup. Keep an eye on the key individual performances and team dynamics as this game unfolds.
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