Kent State’s men’s basketball team surrendered 50 second-half points in a 82-70 loss to Ball State Tuesday.

Kent State (22-6) moved down second place in the Mid-American Conference at 12-3. Toledo sits in first place with a conference record of 13-2.

Ball State (20-8) is tied for third place with Akron at 11-4.

It was a slow first half, with Kent State heading to the locker rooms with a 33-32 lead.

KSU shot 40.7% from the field and 40% from behind the arc. Ball State struggled offensively in the first half, shooting just 31.8% from the field and 25% from three.

Ball State’s offense in the second half gave the team the victory, as they shot 62.96% from the field and 50% from three. Kent State shot 40.63% from the field and 50% from three.

The Cardinals had five players with double-digit scoring.

Redshirt senior guard Sincere Carry led the Flashes with 21 points, adding six rebounds, an assist and a steal. Redshirt senior guard Malique Jacobs added 18 points with six rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal.

Kent State plays Bowling Green next. The Falcons sit at a three-way tie for ninth place in the MAC at 4–11.

Tip off is at 5 p.m. Saturday in Bowling Green.

Jacob Hansen is sports editor. Contact him at [email protected].