The Kent State men’s basketball team began its quest for a Mid-American Conference championship with a quarterfinal matchup against the Western Michigan Broncos (12-19, 9-9).

After a slow start, the Flashes went on a 12-0 run, but the Broncos fought back to tie the game at 19-19.

Kent State dominated the final nine-and-a-half minutes of the half, outscoring Western Michigan 24-6 behind 18 points from senior guard Marquis Barnett.

With their backs against the wall, the Broncos came out swinging in the second half, scoring the half’s first seven points as a part of a 28-12 run that brought the margin all the way down to two points.

Kent State punched back with a 14-2 run, reclaiming a 14-point lead only for Western Michigan to cut the lead back down to three with an 11-0 run.

The Flashes managed to hang on, scoring four straight points to close out the 73-66 victory.

Barnett led the team and the game in scoring, and Kent State saw big production from senior guard Jalen Sullinger (13 points), sophomore guard Cian Medley (13 points, five rebounds) and junior forward Delrecco Gillespie (10-point, 10-rebound double-double).

Kent State will take on the second-seeded Miami RedHawks (24-8, 14-4) at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Cleveland in the semifinals.

Demetri Manousos is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].