KENT, Ohio – There was a lot on the line going into Saturday's game, as Kent State (15-11, 9-5) sat one spot behind Ohio (18-7, 9-5) in the Mid-American Conference East Division standings. The Bobcats were hungry for redemption after being beat earlier in the year on their home court; the Flashes filled the M.A.C. Center with their biggest crowd of the year and had University President Beverly Warren speak before the game in honor of Play4Kay.
The atmosphere was ripe for a showdown, and both teams provided an intense battle into overtime. Defense was the difference in the end, as three charges taken by the Flashes in the final minute of overtime handed Kent State the 83-77 win and a share of the MAC East lead.