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 break, the two teams were tied at 39.
The second half played out much like the first: The Flashes started the half on fire from the field and jumped out to a 10-point lead with 8:55 remaining.