Kent State Defeats Ball State in Close Contest
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Worthen Arena
Kent State Golden Flashes 75, Ball State Cardinals 68, 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 Kent State Golden Flashes vs Ball State Cardinals?
Kent State Golden Flashes beat Ball State Cardinals 75-68 at Worthen Arena on February 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Kent State Golden Flashes vs Ball State Cardinals?
Kent State Golden Flashes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -355 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Kent State Golden Flashes emerged victorious against the Ball State Cardinals with a final score of 75-68 at Worthen Arena. This game was particularly noteworthy as Kent State, with a strong away record of 19-7, faced a Ball State team struggling at 8-17. The Golden Flashes have been in better form recently, boasting a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, while Ball State has managed only a 4-6 record in the same span, currently on a one-game losing streak.
Kent State has been averaging 79.5 points per game while allowing 78.9 in their last ten outings, demonstrating their high-scoring capabilities. In contrast, Ball State has averaged 63.5 points scored and 71.2 points allowed, indicating a significant disparity in offensive production. The Cardinals' recent form has seen them score an average of just 58.2 points in their last five games, which is a concern for their scoring efficiency.
At home, Ball State holds a record of 2-2 in their last ten games, while their away performance has been less impressive at 2-4. Kent State, on the other hand, has a balanced away record of 3-3, which includes a recent victory against Eastern Michigan, where they won 95-91. This win marked their first in a streak that they hope to extend.
The previous meeting between these two teams took place on January 4, 2025, where Kent State won decisively with a score of 75-67. This historical context added another layer of intrigue to the matchup, as Ball State sought to avenge their earlier defeat.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but it is always a crucial factor in game outcomes. The absence of key players can significantly affect team performance, particularly in a close game like this one.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated Kent State as the favorite, with a spread of 7.5 points. The total points line was set at 143.5, reflecting expectations of a competitive scoring environment. Kent State's money line was priced at -355, while Ball State's was at 280, underscoring the perceived gap in team strength.
The game conditions were typical for a February evening, with fans filling Worthen Arena to support the home team. Viewers were treated to a thrilling second half, where the scoring plays were pivotal. Notable moments included a 24-foot three-point jumper from Mason Jones that gave Kent State a crucial lead at 66-65. Following that, Rob Whaley Jr. made a layup to extend the lead to 68-65, and subsequent free throws from Jahari Williamson sealed the victory for Kent State.
Overall, this game showcased the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, with Kent State's offensive prowess ultimately overcoming Ball State's defensive struggles. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, but for now, Kent State continues to assert their dominance in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KENT -7.5 | 143.5 o -105 / u -115 | Kent State Golden Flashes -355 · Ball State Cardinals +280 |
Leaders
- PointsDavion Hill17Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsArmoni Zeigler4Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsDavion Hill8Ball State Cardinals
- PointsDelrecco Gillespie22Kent State Golden Flashes
- AssistsCian Medley8Kent State Golden Flashes
- ReboundsDelrecco Gillespie14Kent State Golden Flashes
Recent form
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 4-6Streak L163.5 scored · 71.2 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L53-63vs Buffalo BullsFeb 12
- W73-68at UL Monroe WarhawksFeb 7
- L52-77at Bowling Green FalconsFeb 4
- L55-73at Toledo RocketsJan 31
- W58-53vs Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 24
- W68-67at Central Michigan ChippewasJan 21
- W76-71vs Ohio BobcatsJan 17
- L77-87at Akron ZipsJan 14
- L71-79at Massachusetts MinutemenJan 10
- L52-74vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 7
Kent State Golden Flashes
Last 10: 6-4Streak W179.5 scored · 78.9 allowed per game3-3 away
- W95-91vs Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 12
- L65-66at Southern Miss Golden EaglesFeb 7
- W75-72at Toledo RocketsFeb 4
- L52-69at Akron ZipsJan 30
- W72-57vs Ohio BobcatsJan 28
- W76-75at Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 24
- L101-107vs Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 21
- W87-84vs Toledo RocketsJan 16
- W87-81at Buffalo BullsJan 13
- L85-87at Central Michigan ChippewasJan 10
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 | Kent State Golden Flashes | Ball State Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-57 | 19-56 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 34 |
| Three-pointers | 9-26 | 8-24 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 33 |
| Free throws | 16-23 | 22-30 |
| Free throw % | 70 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 25 |
| Assists | 15 | 15 |
| Steals | 9 | 10 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 22 |
| Fouls | 21 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 96 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-35Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-35Delrecco Gillespie makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half45-37Preston Copeland makes layup (Davion Hill assists)
- 2nd Half47-37Rob Whaley Jr. makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half47-39Kayden Fish makes layup (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half49-39Rob Whaley Jr. makes 16-foot step back jumpshot (Rayvon Griffith assists)
- 2nd Half52-39Delrecco Gillespie makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half52-40Kayden Fish makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-41Kayden Fish makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-41Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-43Juwan Maxey makes driving layup (Kayden Fish assists)
- 2nd Half53-44Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-45Davion Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-46Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-47Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-50Juwan Maxey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half56-50Morgan Safford makes 25-foot three point jumper (Magnus Entenmann assists)
- 2nd Half56-51Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-52Davion Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-54Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-54Delrecco Gillespie makes 1-foot dunk (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half59-54Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-54Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-57Juwan Maxey makes 26-foot three point jumper (Elmore James IV assists)
- 2nd Half61-57Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-57Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-58Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-58Jahari Williamson makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half64-59Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-60Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-62Davion Hill makes driving layup (Juwan Maxey assists)
- 2nd Half66-62Magnus Entenmann makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half66-65Mason Jones makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kayden Fish assists)
- 2nd Half68-65Rob Whaley Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half68-66Kayden Fish makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-66Rob Whaley Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half73-66Cian Medley makes 28-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half73-68Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-68Jahari Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-68Jahari Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Ball State Cardinals, below favours Kent State Golden Flashes.
Venue
- Worthen ArenaMuncie, IN
- Attendance3418
- OfficialsTodd Von Sossan, Jeff Spedoske, Anthony Burris
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