The Kent State men’s basketball team came out strong against Northern Illinois University in its first game back at home after a two loss road trip.
The Flashes led 16-6 with just under seven minutes, but then NIU began to close the gap.
The Huskies’ shooters got hot, going 6-8 from 3 in the first half, and Kent State could not defend or respond offensively.
With 4:26 left in the half, Northern Illinois took its first lead of the night, and from that point outscored the Flashes 14-7 to take an eight-point lead into halftime.
A second half run fell short, and Kent State would never retake the lead.