Central Michigan Edges Kent State in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · McGuirk Arena
Central Michigan Chippewas 87, Kent State Golden Flashes 85, 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 Central Michigan Chippewas?
Central Michigan Chippewas beat Kent State Golden Flashes 87-85 at McGuirk Arena on January 10, 2026.
Who was favored in Kent State Golden Flashes vs Central Michigan Chippewas?
Kent State Golden Flashes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -600 (about 86% implied). The underdog won.
In a gripping matchup, the Central Michigan Chippewas triumphed over the Kent State Golden Flashes with a final score of 87-85. This victory marks a significant moment for Central Michigan, who had been struggling with a recent record of 2-8 in their last ten games, including a five-game losing streak. The Chippewas had averaged 73.1 points scored and 80.2 points allowed during this stretch, showcasing their defensive vulnerabilities. Their home record stood at 5-12 prior to this game, indicating the challenges they faced throughout the season.
On the other side, the Kent State Golden Flashes came into the game with a much stronger record of 12-4 and were riding an impressive two-game winning streak. Over their last ten games, they had secured eight victories, averaging 89.4 points scored and allowing 77.4 points. However, they struggled away from home with a 1-2 record in their last three road games.
The two teams had previously met on February 12, 2025, where Kent State emerged victorious with a score of 91-83. This history added an extra layer of intensity to their latest encounter, as Central Michigan sought to avenge their earlier loss.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any current player absences for either team, which suggests both squads were at full strength for this critical matchup. The game took place at McGuirk Arena, providing Central Michigan the advantage of home court. The atmosphere was likely electric given the stakes involved.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Kent State was favored by 10.5 points, with a total set at 156.5. The odds reflected the general expectation of a high-scoring game, considering both teams' offensive capabilities.
As the game unfolded, Central Michigan demonstrated resilience and determination. Key moments included a driving layup by Logan McIntire, which put the Chippewas ahead in the second half, and subsequent scoring plays that maintained their lead. Tamario Adley and Nathan Claerbaut contributed crucial points, while Cian Medley and Phat Phat Brooks sealed the win with free throws in the closing moments.
Despite Kent State's efforts, including a late three-point jumper by Jahari Williamson, they could not overcome Central Michigan's lead. The final score underscored the competitive nature of the game and the Chippewas' ability to perform under pressure, marking a significant turnaround in their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KENT -10.5 | 156.5 o -105 / u -115 | Kent State Golden Flashes -600 · Central Michigan Chippewas +440 |
Leaders
- PointsPhat Phat Brooks20Central Michigan Chippewas
- AssistsPhat Phat Brooks4Central Michigan Chippewas
- ReboundsTamario Adley8Central Michigan Chippewas
- PointsJahari Williamson23Kent State Golden Flashes
- AssistsCian Medley8Kent State Golden Flashes
- ReboundsDelrecco Gillespie23Kent State Golden Flashes
Recent form
Central Michigan Chippewas
Last 10: 2-8Streak L573.1 scored · 80.2 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L69-82at Akron ZipsJan 7
- L75-78vs Toledo RocketsJan 3
- L64-80vs Ohio BobcatsDec 30
- L61-88at Wisconsin BadgersDec 23
- L73-74at Northern Illinois HuskiesDec 20
- W85-65vs Olivet CometsDec 18
- L55-78at Stony Brook SeawolvesDec 13
- L65-107at Saint Louis BillikensDec 7
- L72-83at Loyola Chicago RamblersDec 3
- W112-67vs Adrian BulldogsNov 26
Kent State Golden Flashes
Last 10: 8-2Streak W289.4 scored · 77.4 allowed per game1-2 away
- W96-93vs Bowling Green FalconsJan 7
- 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
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 | Central Michigan Chippewas |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-73 | 32-70 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 13-34 | 7-25 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 28 |
| Free throws | 12-17 | 16-23 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 49 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 22 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 22 |
| Assists | 19 | 14 |
| Steals | 5 | 11 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 44 |
| Fouls | 20 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 13 | 13 |
| Time in front | 27 | 62 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-53Keenan Garner makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half48-53Morgan Safford makes 22-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half48-54Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-55Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-55Morgan Safford makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-55Morgan Safford makes layup
- 2nd Half52-57Will Ashford makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half53-57Jahari Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-57Jahari Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-59Tamario Adley makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half56-59Cian Medley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-59Morgan Safford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-59Morgan Safford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-62Will Ashford makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jalen Kampen assists)
- 2nd Half61-62Quinn Woidke makes 22-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half64-62Morgan Safford makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quinn Woidke assists)
- 2nd Half64-64Nathan Claerbaut makes layup (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half64-67Phat Phat Brooks makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half66-67Morgan Safford makes 2-foot floating jump shot (Quinn Woidke assists)
- 2nd Half66-69Jaxson Whitaker makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-69Delrecco Gillespie makes 3-foot dunk (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half70-69Delrecco Gillespie makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half73-69Cian Medley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Morgan Safford assists)
- 2nd Half73-70Nick Mullen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-70Rob Whaley Jr. makes driving layup (Delrecco Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half77-70Morgan Safford makes driving layup (Jahari Williamson assists)
- 2nd Half77-73Phat Phat Brooks makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half77-75Keenan Garner makes driving layup
- 2nd Half77-77Keenan Garner makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half79-77Rob Whaley Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half80-77Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half80-79Phat Phat Brooks makes 2-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half80-81Logan McIntire makes driving layup (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half80-83Tamario Adley makes layup
- 2nd Half80-85Nathan Claerbaut makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half81-85Cian Medley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-85Cian Medley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-86Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-87Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half85-87Jahari Williamson makes 24-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Michigan Chippewas, below favours Kent State Golden Flashes.
Venue
- McGuirk ArenaMount Pleasant, MI
- Attendance2022
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