KENT STATE GOLDEN FLASHES
 Coach: Jim Christian  |  Record: 25-8

 
Overview: Kent State has extended its string of 20-win seasons to eight straight, a distinction that only six other teams can claim. During this impressive streak, the rest of the MAC teams have accounted for a combined total of 17 20-win seasons, with only one team putting together back-to-back 20-win campaigns. Since the start of the 1998-99 season, Kent State has averaged 13.4 MAC victories per season. In the 46 seasons prior to 1998, the Golden Flashes were definitely in a Dark Age, averaging only 5.4 conference wins per season.

Potential Difference Maker: This season, Kent State is 19-1 when scoring 70 or more points but only 4-6 when failing to reach that number. That makes it imperative that leading scorer Jay Youngblood reach and exceed his 14.9 ppg scoring average if Kent State has any designs on making a tourney run.

On Offense: They will run mostly set plays with a lot of ball screens, down screens and mis-directions. They want to free up their guards and use their big men as screeners.

On Defense: They will play solid man-to-man defense with good aggressive defenders on the perimeter and solid position defense in the interior. Gerwig and Warzynski are solid position defenders inside.

Strength: They have 4 seniors who play well together and are playing with great confidence after winning 17 of their last 20 games. They are a very good offensive team.

Weakness: They are not big or athletic inside, so they can be attacked at the basket. They are much better playing from the lead.

Key to Success: Get the lead, as they are built on executing and playing patiently on offense. If Youngblood and Haynes shoot the ball well, they will be a tough opponent for anyone.

How to Beat Them: Pound the ball inside and force their guards to shoot tough perimeter shots. Kent is a very good passing team around the basket, so keep their guards out of the paint.