Kent State Edges Northern Illinois in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · M.A.C. Center
Kent State Golden Flashes 77, Northern Illinois Huskies 73, 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 Northern Illinois Huskies vs Kent State Golden Flashes?
Kent State Golden Flashes beat Northern Illinois Huskies 77-73 at M.A.C. Center on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Illinois Huskies vs Kent State Golden Flashes?
Kent State Golden Flashes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1800 (about 95% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game at the M.A.C. Center, the Kent State Golden Flashes narrowly defeated the Northern Illinois Huskies with a final score of 77-73. This matchup showcased the resilience of Kent State, who improved their home record to 7-0, while Northern Illinois fell to 1-5 in away games this season.
Kent State entered the game with a solid overall record of 11-3 and an impressive recent form of 8-2 over their last ten games, despite a recent loss to Purdue on December 30. Their scoring average in that span has been notable, with 89.9 points per game, while allowing 77.5 points, indicating a high-paced offensive style. The Golden Flashes have shown strength at home, where they have maintained an undefeated record, averaging 96.5 points in their last five home games, although they allowed 80.0 points on average in that same stretch.
In contrast, Northern Illinois has struggled this season, holding a record of 5-9 overall and 3-6-1 in their last ten games. They have averaged only 64.3 points per game while allowing 69.2 points. Their recent performance includes a loss to Buffalo on December 31, and they have now lost their last game. The Huskies have had a difficult time on the road, with a record of 1-4 away from home, which has contributed to their overall struggles this season.
The two teams had met once before in the current season, with Kent State winning decisively 68-50 on January 8, 2025. This prior meeting set the stage for a rematch that was expected to be competitive, and it certainly delivered in that regard.
In terms of betting lines, DraftKings set the spread at Kent State -16.5, indicating a strong expectation for the Golden Flashes to win comfortably. The total for the game was set at 157.5, reflecting the anticipated high-scoring nature of the contest given both teams' recent scoring trends.
The game featured several key moments, particularly in the second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Dylan Ducommun made a crucial 8-foot floating jump shot to put Kent State ahead 72-68. Following that, Jahari Williamson added to the lead with two successful free throws, extending the score to 74-68. Northern Illinois fought back, with Ducommun hitting a three-pointer to narrow the gap to 74-71, but Kent State maintained their composure. Free throws from Quinn Woidke and a layup from Gianni Cobb kept the game within reach for the Huskies but ultimately secured the victory for the Golden Flashes.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either side, suggesting both teams were at full strength for this important matchup. The conditions in the M.A.C. Center were conducive to a high-energy game, with a lively crowd supporting the home team.
Overall, this game was significant not only for its close score but also for the implications it holds for both teams moving forward in the season. Kent State's ability to secure a win against a struggling Northern Illinois team demonstrates their resilience, while the Huskies will need to regroup and address their offensive inconsistencies as they continue their campaign.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KENT -16.5 | 157.5 o -112 / u -108 | Northern Illinois Huskies +1000 · Kent State Golden Flashes -1800 |
Leaders
- PointsDelrecco Gillespie28Kent State Golden Flashes
- AssistsRob Whaley Jr.2Kent State Golden Flashes
- ReboundsDelrecco Gillespie11Kent State Golden Flashes
- PointsMakhai Valentine27Northern Illinois Huskies
- AssistsDylan Ducommun4Northern Illinois Huskies
- ReboundsTaj Walters11Northern Illinois Huskies
Recent form
Kent State Golden Flashes
Last 10: 8-2Streak L189.9 scored · 77.5 allowed per game6-0 at home
- 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
- W102-95at Cleveland State VikingsNov 15
Northern Illinois Huskies
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak L164.3 scored · 69.2 allowed per game1-4 away
- L67-81vs Buffalo BullsDec 31
- W74-73vs Central Michigan ChippewasDec 20
- W112-64vs East West PhantomsDec 17
- L79-85at Elon PhoenixDec 13
- L55-84at Bradley BravesDec 7
- L64-99vs Lindenwood LionsDec 3
- D0-0vs Bellarmine KnightsNov 29
- L59-77at Austin Peay GovernorsNov 26
- W76-59at Loyola Chicago RamblersNov 22
- L57-70at Northern Iowa PanthersNov 19
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wright State | 23-12 | - | 15-5 |
| Robert Morris | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Green Bay | 18-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Detroit Mercy | 17-15 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Oakland | 16-16 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Purdue Fort Wayne | 17-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Northern Kentucky | 20-14 | 5 | 10-10 |
| Youngstown State | 15-17 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Milwaukee | 12-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Cleveland State | 11-22 | 9 | 6-14 |
| IU Indianapolis | 7-25 | 12 | 3-17 |
| 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 | Northern Illinois Huskies | Kent State Golden Flashes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-51 | 21-53 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 11-28 | 4-24 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 17 |
| Free throws | 18-30 | 31-40 |
| Free throw % | 60 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 21 |
| Assists | 9 | 8 |
| Steals | 9 | 9 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 22 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 32 |
| Fouls | 27 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-52Quinn Woidke makes layup
- 2nd Half43-53Quinn Woidke makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-53Gianni Cobb makes layup
- 2nd Half48-53Makhai Valentine makes 24-foot three point jumper (Gianni Cobb assists)
- 2nd Half48-54Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-55Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-55Gianni Cobb makes layup
- 2nd Half50-56Quinn Woidke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-56Gustav Winther makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-57Morgan Safford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-58Morgan Safford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-59Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-60Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-60Taj Walters makes 24-foot three point jumper (Gianni Cobb assists)
- 2nd Half54-62Rob Whaley Jr. makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-63Cian Medley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-64Cian Medley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-64Gianni Cobb makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-64Gianni Cobb makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-64Gianni Cobb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-64Hassan Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-64Taj Walters makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-64Taj Walters makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-66Delrecco Gillespie makes 2-foot dunk (Jahari Williamson assists)
- 2nd Half64-66Taj Walters makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dylan Ducommun assists)
- 2nd Half64-67Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-68Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-70Delrecco Gillespie makes layup (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half65-70Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-70Dylan Ducommun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-71Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-72Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-72Dylan Ducommun makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half68-73Jahari Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-74Jahari Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-74Dylan Ducommun makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half71-75Quinn Woidke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-76Quinn Woidke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-76Gianni Cobb makes layup
- 2nd Half73-77Quinn Woidke makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Kent State Golden Flashes, below favours Northern Illinois Huskies.
Venue
- M.A.C. CenterKent, OH
- Attendance2081
- OfficialsTony Meeks, Luke Schumer, Michael Griffith
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