By Jeysla Gonzalez
3 26 2025
CHICAGO – Kent State Men’s Basketball (24-11) has advanced to quarterfinal of the 2025 National Invitation Tournament. The Golden Flashes travel to Loyola University Chicago for the third round to be held on Wednesday, March 26. Tipoff between the Golden Flashes and Ramblers is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. eastern time in Gentile Arena. Kent State has advanced to the NIT quarterfinals for the first time since the 2010-2011 season when the Blue and Gold defeated Saint Mary’s and Fairfield before falling to Colorado. The Flashes advanced by knocking off Stanford in the second round marking their first win over a power conference opponent since 2018, and their first win over an ACC opponent since 2004.
Last Time Out
Most recently, Kent State defeated Stanford on the road Sunday, March 23 in the second round of the NIT by a final score of 77-75. With the win Kent State marked their first victory over a power conference opponent since Dec. 21, 2018, when they defeated Oregon State University 66-63 (then a member of the pre-realignment PAC-12). The Flashes also marked their first win over an ACC team since Nov. 27, 2004, when they defeated Florida State University 69-59. Additionally, the Blue and Gold have now advanced to the NIT quarterfinals for the third time last doing so in March of 2011. Jalen Sullinger’s 34 points were the highest total of his career as he went 11-22, 7-10 from three, and 5-5 from the line. Delrecco Gillespie’s 14 rebounds and 10 points mark not only his sixth double-double, but his second in a row.
Scouting the Ramblers
March 26 will be the eighth meeting between the Golden Flashes and Ramblers. Kent State’s record is 2-5 against them. Loyola Chicago is 24-11, and 12-6 in the A-10 finishing fourth in the standings. They fell in the second round of the conference tournament to Virginia Commonwealth University. A trio of Ramblers average double-digits entering this game those being Jayden Dawson (13.8), Des Watson (13.2), and Sheldon Edwards Jr. (11.8). This will be Kent State’s first meeting with Loyola Chicago since they joined the A-10 in 2022.
Broadcast Info
Wednesday night’s game can be heard on the ESPN 850 Cleveland with Rob Polinsky and Jana Ashley on the call. The game can be watched on ESPN2.
Next Up for Kent State
If the Golden Flashes defeat Loyola Chicago, they will move on to the NIT semifinals to be played at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Blue and Gold would take on the winner of Bradley University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
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COURTESY KENT STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
