Basketball snaps five-game win-streak against Ohio

The Kent State University men’s basketball (15-6, 6-2 Mid-American Conference) snapped its five-game winning streak as the Flashes lost 72-61 to Ohio University (13-7, 4-4 MAC) Friday.

“Tough night for us,” coach Rob Senderoff said. “We didn’t play great, but let’s give Ohio credit for how they played. I thought they came out with a lot of focus and a lot of energy. They did a good job and deserved to win tonight.” 

Kent State trailed the Bobcats the majority of the game as they struggled from the field, shooting 39 percent. 

Redshirt senior Xavier Pollard exited Friday’s game midway through the first half after landing on his foot. Pollard recorded 23 points last time the Flashes saw the Bobcats.

“He came down on his foot and couldn’t play,” Senderoff said. “He’s one of our leaders scoring wise and physicality wise. Tough when you lose him during the game.”

The Flashes turned the ball over 14 times, 11 in the first half, compared to the seven turnovers the last meeting between the two teams.

“I thought we played jittery in the first half — just didn’t move the ball and make simple plays,” Senderoff said. “The first time we played them we had seven turnovers for the game. I think for us to have a chance to win here tonight, it had to be around that number.”

Redshirt junior Jimmy Hall led the Flashes with 23 points and 13 rebounds and redshirt junior Deon Edwin finished with 11 points and four rebounds.

Kent State is on the road again as they look to take on Central Michigan at 7 p.m. Tuesday.