Kent State (12-4, 1-2 Mid-American Conference) struggled early and often to score due to a Eastern Michigan's (8-8, 2-1 MAC) 3-2 zone trap that was incorporated early and often.
The zone caused the Flashes to turn the ball over 13 times, while slowing their offense to 11 assists for the game. The Flashes are 0-3 when they finish with more turnovers than assists this season.
Jalen Avery, Kent State's offensive catalyst finished with just six points on 2-for-8 shooting with three assists. He was unable to get to the line, and many possessions consisted of him standing at the top of the key, playing catch with other guards on the wing as the shot clock ticked away.