Survive and advance: Flashes outlast Ball State

Jaylin Walker and Adonis De La Rosa celebrate after De La Rosa's dunk during Kent State's 76-73 win over Ball State in the Mid-American Conference quarterfinals at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.Four Kent State players finished in double-figures in a 76-73 win over Ball State in Thursday’s Mid-American Conference tournament quarterfinal at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Flashes (17-16) leapt out to an early lead thanks to red-hot shooting from junior point guard Jalen Avery. Avery made his first three shots from the field, including a three-pointer and two free throws.

Ball State (19-13) clawed back thanks to four three-pointers off the bench from freshman forward Zach Gunn. Heading into the…