KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Sophomore point guard Thomas Wilder hit a game-tying three with 14 seconds left in regulation to force overtime but Kent State would come out on top in the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams, defeating Western Michigan, 87-84, Tuesday at University Arena.
Wilder led all scorers with 28 points on 9-of-15 shooting, going 8-for-9 from two-point range. His only make (1-for-6) from long range was the triple to force overtime. He also added six rebounds and four assists.
Western Michigan fought back from a 12-point deficit with 10:46 remaining to take a 73-71 lead with 1:36 left in the game after six straight points from Wilder.