This season, Ohio (13-11, 7-4 Mid-American Conference) has failed to succeed on the road, with a 4-9 record away from The Convo. In the team’s Tuesday matchup, however, that showed signs of changing, as in its 86-81 win over Bowling Green, Ohio closed stronger than it has in just about any game in conference play.
Now, Ohio faces a quick turnaround against an opponent it previously faced: Kent State. The Bobcats took a 61-59 win over the Golden Flashes Jan. 24 in The Convo, notably missing their best frontcourt players, AJ Clayton and Aidan Hadaway. In the rematch, Ohio will go north to Kent, healthier, but in a disadvantageous environment.
Here is everything to know ahead of the rematch.
Game information
Opponent: Kent State Golden Flashes (16-8, 6-5 MAC)
Location: Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (Kent, Ohio)
Time: Friday at 7 p.m.
Where to watch: CBS Sports Network
Follow live stats here.
Meet the opponent
Head coach
Rob Senderoff (14th season, 280-172 record)
Projected starters
No. 1, VonCameron Davis
No. 11, Cian Medley
No. 13, Jalen Sullinger
No. 15, Mike Bekelja
No. 41, Cli’Ron Hornbeak
Statistical leaders
Points: Davis (15.6 per game)
Rebounds: Delrocco Gillespie (6.9 per game)
Assists: Medley (4.3 per game)
Steals: Davis (1.3 per game)
Blocks: Hornbeak (1.3 per game)
Three-pointers made: Sullinger (50)
Kent State notes
Not much has changed for Kent State since its previous matchup against Ohio. The Golden Flashes still boast a top 50 defensive rating in the nation and struggle to connect from deep. While the lack of offensive pressure led to early MAC losses against teams like Ball State and Western Michigan, Kent State has gone 4-1 since its last matchup against Ohio.
The biggest difference for the matchup will be the return of AJ Clayton. The Golden Flashes made an interesting decision not to start big in the previous matchup, opening the floor up for Davis to attack. He had little success, largely due to the effort of Elijah Elliott in his first career start, but with Clayton’s return, Kent State will be encouraged to go bigger.
Player to watch: Cli’Ron Hornbeak
Despite Ohio’s victory in the previous matchup, Cli’Ron Hornbeak issued troubles to the team. He collected eleven rebounds, including seven offensive boards, and an efficient 13 points for a double-double. He also blocked three shots, imposing his size over the smaller, injury-riddled Ohio team he faced.
Ohio will need to gameplan for Hornbeak effectively if it wishes to steal a win on the road against a surging Kent State team.
