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This recap should be about Kent State, but the Golden Flashes get enough positive press for this Ball State contributor. Yes, the Cardinal slide continues.
Ball State (7-17, 2-11) remained winless in conference play since a January 10th home win versus Central Michigan, falling to Kent State on Wednesday night 58-53. The loss was the 11th straight for the Cardinals, who haven't beat the Golden Flashes since the 2004-05 season.
First the good. The Cardinal front court was stout. Bo Calhoun led the way for BSU, scoring 18 and ripping down 8 boards. Franko House impressed as well, contributing 10 points and 7 rebounds. That's where the good news ends.
Ball State guard play was a complete non-factor. The BSU backcourt shot a combined 6 of 21 from the field, with 5 assists versus 5 turnovers. Shooting was an ugly affair overall, as the Cardinals connected on just 34 percent on Wednesday. Yet somehow Ball State was able to keep this game within single digits throughout most of the second half. I guess we should talk about Kent State a little bit.
Devareaux Manley handled the bulk of the scoring load for the Golden Flashes. Manley hit 6 of 10 from the field including 5 of 9 from behind the arc for 19 points. The senior guard has now scored 17 or more in 5 straight games.
The Kent State front court kept pace with the Cardinals. Chris Ortiz scored 13, and Khaliq Spicer chipped in 10 to go with a game high 12 rebounds. Spicer has posted double digit rebounds totals in three consecutive games.
Ball State started off hot. The Cardinals actually held a lead in this one from the outset to about the 11 minute mark of the first half. Kent State closed the half on a 23-10 run, to carry a 7 point lead into halftime. Ball State would not hold another lead.
Both schools are back in action with road games on Saturday. Ball State travels to Central Michigan while Kent State has a date at Ohio.
Game Leaders
| Player | HOME | AWAY |
|---|---|---|
| Points | D. Manley (19) | B. Calhoun (18) |
| Rebounds | K. Spicer (12) | B. Calhoun (8) |
| Assists | D. Jackson (5) | F. House, J. Davis (3) |
| Blocks | K. Spicer (2) | B. Calhoun (2) |
| Steals | Three with 1 | K. Spicer, G. Akbar (2) |