by MACtion finally returned on a frigid Tuesday night in Kent, Ohio. As the 15-8 Kent State Golden Flashes hosted the 11-12 Central Michigan Chippewas. This would be a very important game in the MAC as both teams were separated by one game. Kent State holding the edge with a 5-5 conference record, and Central Michigan at 4-6 in the conference.
It would ultimately be known as the Marquis Barnett game at Kent State tonight. As the Senior guard stole the show scoring 28 points, including 6-for-8 from three, with two assists to go along with it during the 95-88 win over the Chippewas.
It was not just Barnett though, as the Golden Flashes had three other players scoring in double digits. Which included VonCameron Davis with 21 points, Jalen Sullinger with 19, and Cian Medley with 11 points.
As for Central Michigan, they were led by big man Ugnius Jarusevicius who put up a double-double of 32 points and 10 rebounds. Even Kent State head coach Rob Senderoff mentioned after the game how they could not stop the Center.
Kent State’s leading scorer heading into the game, Senior VonCameron Davis returned to the starting lineup Tuesday night, and he did not miss a beat.
He started off the game 2-for-2 from three to get the Golden Flashes going. The scoring did not let down for Kent State as they held a 11-4 lead at the first media timeout of the game.
The Golden Flashes were shooting the three ball exponentially to start the game, going 5-for-7 from deep. After another quick 6-0 run, Central Michigan was forced to call their first timeout as they trailed 17-4.
The Chippewas finally got something going offensively, as they went on a little 6-5 run. But unfortunately, Kent State had an answer for everything they had to offer. At the under-12 media timeout in the first half, the Golden Flashes were up 22-10.
Central Michigan would keep their run going, getting the Kent State lead down to as less as 24-19. The 9-2 run by the Chippewas in the middle of the first half was much needed if they wanted any chance in this game.
As it did not take long for Kent State to rebuild their lead again. By time the under-8 media timeout rolled around, the Golden Flashes had an eight point lead at 31-23.
Kent State then went on a 10-2 run of their own. 5 of the 9 points alone came from Barnett who was having himself a game. The Golden Flashes held onto a 41-25 lead after forcing Central Michigan to use yet another timeout.
Kent State originally came out of halftime scorching hot going on a 8-1 run in less than two minutes, hitting all of their shots and free throws. But the Golden Flashes cooled down, and it was Central Michigan’s turn to go on a 9-2 run of their own to keep the game within reach.
As many say, basketball is a game of runs. Tonight was just that as Kent State held onto a 58-43 lead at the first media timeout of the second half.
Marquis Barnett would keep his hot hand going in the second half with 8 points in the first 10 minutes. Kent State really used the help as the Chippewas were answering back everything the Flashes had to offer, and refused to go away.
Kent State held just a 70-58 lead at the under-12 media timeout of the second half. It really looked like a completely different Central Michigan team as they came out shooting 58%, compared to just 42% in the first half.
The Chippewas would continue to be gritty and put up a fight as the second half dwindled down. A little 7-3 run across two minutes of game time would help keep Kent State on their toes. With just a 74-65 lead for the Golden Flashes at the under-8 media timeout, things were getting very tight in Kent, Ohio.
It would be a very close back and fourth game for the next four minutes. Central Michigan would cut the deficit to down as less as six. But by time the final media timeout rolled around, Kent State had a 83-75 lead with 3:39 left to play.
Central Michigan would come out of the timeout on a 4-0 run cutting the deficit down to just four. But you guessed it. The Golden Flashes responded once again.
A three by Davis would essentially be the dagger for Kent State in his first game back, after putting the Flashes up 90-81 with less than 45 seconds to play.
Kent State would go onto win with a final score of 91-83. A big part thanks to dominating the 3-point line going 16-for-30 beyond the line which marks a new season high.
The Golden Flashes improve to 16-8, with a MAC record of 6-5, while the Chippewas drop to 11-13 with a MAC record of 4-7.
