Kent State Edges Bowling Green in Thrilling Finish
Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · M.A.C. Center
Kent State Golden Flashes 96, Bowling Green Falcons 93, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Bowling Green Falcons vs Kent State Golden Flashes?
Kent State Golden Flashes beat Bowling Green Falcons 96-93 at M.A.C. Center on January 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Bowling Green Falcons vs Kent State Golden Flashes?
Kent State Golden Flashes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Kent State Golden Flashes triumphed over the Bowling Green Falcons with a final score of 96-93. This victory marks an important achievement for Kent State, who now holds a 13-3 overall record. The game was played at the M.A.C. Center, where Kent State has demonstrated strong performance, boasting a home record of 8-2 in their last ten games.
Kent State entered the game with a recent form of 8-2 over their last ten outings, including a win against the Northern Illinois Huskies just days prior, where they secured a 77-73 victory. Their scoring average during this stretch was an impressive 87.4 points per game, while they allowed an average of 75.3 points. Their home record this season has been particularly strong, with a perfect 7-0 at home prior to this game.
Bowling Green, on the other hand, also showcased a solid recent form with an 8-2 record in their last ten games. They came into this game riding a one-game winning streak, having narrowly defeated the Massachusetts Minutemen 101-100 in their last outing. Bowling Green's scoring average was even higher than Kent State's at 88.9 points per game, while their defense allowed an average of 68.4 points during this stretch. They have been particularly effective on the road, boasting a perfect away record of 4-0.
The teams had met previously in the 2025 season, with Kent State winning both encounters. The first game on January 29, 2025, saw Kent State defeat Bowling Green 75-57 at home, while the second meeting on February 19, 2025, resulted in a closer 91-84 victory for Kent State on the road. This history added an intriguing layer to the matchup, with Kent State looking to maintain their dominance over the Falcons.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details about player availability for either team, which could have influenced the game dynamics. However, both teams appeared to field their strongest lineups, contributing to the high-scoring affair.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Kent State favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 155.5. This indicated expectations of a competitive game, which ultimately played out as anticipated. Kent State's moneyline was listed at -175.0, while Bowling Green's was at 145.0, reflecting the perceived strength of Kent State as the home team.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting matchup, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The scoring plays in the second half highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with Bowling Green's Delrecco Gillespie making critical free throws and layups to keep the score tight. The game saw multiple lead changes, particularly in the final moments, as both teams fought fiercely for the win.
As the game drew to a close, Kent State managed to edge out Bowling Green, thanks in part to Gillespie's late-game heroics, which included crucial free throws that ultimately sealed the victory. The final moments were tense, with Bowling Green tying the game at 90 before Kent State pulled ahead again.
This matchup not only showcased the offensive firepower of both teams but also highlighted their competitive spirit, making it a thrilling game for spectators. With Kent State now firmly positioned in the standings, they will look to build on this momentum as they progress through the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KENT -3.5 | 155.5 o -110 / u -110 | Bowling Green Falcons +145 · Kent State Golden Flashes -175 |
Leaders
- PointsDelrecco Gillespie32Kent State Golden Flashes
- AssistsCian Medley10Kent State Golden Flashes
- ReboundsDelrecco Gillespie10Kent State Golden Flashes
- PointsJavontae Campbell28Bowling Green Falcons
- AssistsJavontae Campbell9Bowling Green Falcons
- ReboundsTroy Glover II8Bowling Green Falcons
Recent form
Kent State Golden Flashes
Last 10: 8-2Streak W187.4 scored · 75.3 allowed per game7-0 at home
- W77-73vs Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 3
- L60-101at Purdue BoilermakersDec 30
- W69-59at Massachusetts MinutemenDec 20
- L78-88at Portland PilotsDec 14
- W111-68vs Roberts Wesleyan RedhawksDec 6
- W96-84vs Austin Peay GovernorsDec 4
- W123-59vs Penn State Shenango Nittany LionsNov 30
- W91-71vs Cleveland State VikingsNov 22
- W93-78vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsNov 19
- W76-72vs Wright State RaidersNov 16
Bowling Green Falcons
Last 10: 8-2Streak W188.9 scored · 68.4 allowed per game4-0 away
- W101-100at Massachusetts MinutemenJan 3
- L83-93vs Miami (OH) RedHawksDec 31
- W125-66vs Siena Heights SaintsDec 22
- W68-58at Ohio BobcatsDec 20
- W76-55vs Chicago State CougarsDec 17
- W131-50vs Aquinas SaintsDec 7
- L71-82vs Utah Valley WolverinesDec 6
- W82-66at Kansas State WildcatsDec 2
- W81-48at VMI KeydetsNov 26
- W71-66vs Bucknell BisonNov 24
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Bowling Green Falcons | Kent State Golden Flashes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-57 | 34-63 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 8-20 | 11-25 |
| Three-point % | 40 | 44 |
| Free throws | 27-31 | 17-19 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 15 |
| Assists | 11 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 44 |
| Fouls | 21 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 22 | 22 |
| Time in front | 22 | 60 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half58-64Morgan Safford makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half58-66Cian Medley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-66Sam Towns makes 24-foot three point jumper (Javontae Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half62-66Sam Towns makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-66Sam Towns makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-66Javontae Campbell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-66Javontae Campbell makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half68-66Javontae Campbell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-69Jahari Williamson makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half70-69Josiah Shackelford makes 19-foot jumper (Javontae Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half72-69Javontae Campbell makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half72-72Morgan Safford makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half74-72Troy Glover II makes layup
- 2nd Half74-73Morgan Safford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-74Morgan Safford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-74Javontae Campbell makes layup
- 2nd Half77-74Javontae Campbell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-74Javontae Campbell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-76Morgan Safford makes layup (Quinn Woidke assists)
- 2nd Half78-77Morgan Safford makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half78-80Quinn Woidke makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half80-80Josiah Shackelford makes driving layup
- 2nd Half81-80Mayar Wol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-82Magnus Entenmann makes layup (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half84-82Josiah Shackelford makes 25-foot three point jumper (Javontae Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half84-84Cian Medley makes layup
- 2nd Half85-84Mayar Wol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-84Mayar Wol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-86Delrecco Gillespie makes layup (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half86-87Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half88-87Josiah Shackelford makes layup (Javontae Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half88-89Delrecco Gillespie makes layup
- 2nd Half88-90Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half90-90Troy Glover II makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half93-90Mayar Wol makes 22-foot three point jumper (Justin Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half93-91Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half93-92Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half93-94Delrecco Gillespie makes layup
- 2nd Half93-95Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half93-96Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Kent State Golden Flashes, below favours Bowling Green Falcons.
Venue
- M.A.C. CenterKent, OH
- Attendance1688
- OfficialsJose Carrion, Kenneth Moreland, Mason Siler
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond