Kent State Defeats Ohio in NCAAB Showdown
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Kent State Golden Flashes 86, Ohio Bobcats 75, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Ohio Bobcats vs Kent State Golden Flashes?
Kent State Golden Flashes beat Ohio Bobcats 86-75 at Rocket Arena on March 12, 2026.
Who was favored in Ohio Bobcats vs Kent State Golden Flashes?
Kent State Golden Flashes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at Rocket Arena, the Kent State Golden Flashes emerged victorious over the Ohio Bobcats with a final score of 86-75. This victory extends Kent State's strong season performance, bringing their record to 24-8, while Ohio concludes their season at 15-17. The game showcased Kent State's offensive prowess, particularly in the second half, where they maintained control and executed crucial free throws to seal the win.
Kent State entered the game with a solid recent form, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games and a winning streak of two. Their scoring average during this stretch was 78.1 points per game, while they allowed an average of 76.4 points. In their last five games, they scored an impressive 83.8 points per game, indicating a strong offensive rhythm. The Golden Flashes' home record stood at 3-1 in their last four games, further emphasizing their advantage when playing at Rocket Arena.
On the other hand, the Ohio Bobcats were struggling, having lost their last three games, which contributed to a 4-6 record in their last ten outings. They averaged 78.9 points scored and allowed 80.0 points during this stretch. Their last five games reflected a slight dip in form, with an average of 80.0 points scored but allowing 81.2 points. Ohio's away record was 2-4 in their last six games, highlighting their challenges on the road.
The two teams had met previously in the current season, with Kent State winning both encounters. The most recent meeting on January 28, 2026, saw Kent State triumph 72-57 at Ohio. In total, Kent State has won two of their last three matchups against Ohio, adding to their confidence heading into this game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this important clash.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Kent State favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 161.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in Kent State's ability to perform at home, with a moneyline of -180. In contrast, Ohio's moneyline was set at +150, indicating a less favorable outlook for the Bobcats.
Conditions during the game were not detailed in the block, but the atmosphere at Rocket Arena was likely charged, given the stakes of the matchup. Fans witnessed a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities.
As the game progressed, key moments included a series of free throws by Kent State players, particularly Delrecco Gillespie and Morgan Safford, who contributed significantly to the final score with their ability to capitalize on fouls. The Golden Flashes' ability to convert free throws in the closing moments helped them maintain their lead and secure the win.
Overall, this matchup highlighted Kent State's strength as they prepare for the next phase of their season, while Ohio will look to regroup and learn from this defeat.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KENT -3.5 | 161.5 o -108 / u -112 | Ohio Bobcats +150 · Kent State Golden Flashes -180 |
Leaders
- PointsDelrecco Gillespie27Kent State Golden Flashes
- AssistsCian Medley7Kent State Golden Flashes
- ReboundsDelrecco Gillespie8Kent State Golden Flashes
- PointsAidan Hadaway24Ohio Bobcats
- AssistsJackson Paveletzke7Ohio Bobcats
- ReboundsAidan Hadaway7Ohio Bobcats
Recent form
Kent State Golden Flashes
Last 10: 7-3Streak W278.1 scored · 76.4 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W86-78vs Western Michigan BroncosMar 7
- W102-76at Northern Illinois HuskiesMar 4
- L70-92vs Akron ZipsFeb 28
- W83-81vs Central Michigan ChippewasFeb 25
- W78-71at Bowling Green FalconsFeb 18
- W75-68at Ball State CardinalsFeb 14
- W95-91vs Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 12
- L65-66at Southern Miss Golden EaglesFeb 7
- W75-72at Toledo RocketsFeb 4
- L52-69at Akron ZipsJan 30
Ohio Bobcats
Last 10: 4-6Streak L378.9 scored · 80 allowed per game2-4 away
- L108-110vs Miami (OH) RedHawksMar 7
- L82-94at Massachusetts MinutemenMar 4
- L67-79vs Toledo RocketsFeb 28
- W74-66at Northern Illinois HuskiesFeb 21
- W69-57vs Ball State CardinalsFeb 18
- L74-90at Miami (OH) RedHawksFeb 14
- L72-78at Old Dominion MonarchsFeb 8
- W91-71vs Western Michigan BroncosFeb 4
- W95-83at Buffalo BullsJan 31
- L57-72at Kent State Golden FlashesJan 28
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 | Ohio Bobcats | Kent State Golden Flashes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-53 | 29-61 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 5-22 | 7-20 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 35 |
| Free throws | 24-32 | 21-29 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 23 |
| Assists | 11 | 16 |
| Steals | 3 | 9 |
| Blocks | 4 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 42 |
| Fouls | 19 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 18 | 68 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-61Jalen Breath makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-63Rob Whaley Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half49-63Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-63Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-63Kiir Kuany makes layup (Javan Simmons assists)
- 2nd Half52-65Delrecco Gillespie makes 7-foot hook shot (Rob Whaley Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half52-66Cian Medley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-67Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half53-67Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-67Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-69Morgan Safford makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half56-69Javan Simmons makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-71Cian Medley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-71JJ Kelly makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-71JJ Kelly makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-73Delrecco Gillespie makes 4-foot hook shot (Quinn Woidke assists)
- 2nd Half59-73Javan Simmons makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-73Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-73Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-73Ajay Sheldon makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jackson Paveletzke assists)
- 2nd Half64-74Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-75Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-75Javan Simmons makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-75Javan Simmons makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-75Javan Simmons makes layup (Jackson Paveletzke assists)
- 2nd Half70-75Jackson Paveletzke makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-76Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-76Jalen Breath makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-78Rob Whaley Jr. makes driving layup (Jahari Williamson assists)
- 2nd Half73-78Javan Simmons makes driving layup (Jackson Paveletzke assists)
- 2nd Half73-79Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-80Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-80Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-80Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-81Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-82Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-83Morgan Safford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-84Morgan Safford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-85Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-86Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Kent State Golden Flashes, below favours Ohio Bobcats.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance9123
- OfficialsTodd Von Sossan, Brian McNutt, Tony Meeks
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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Kent State Dominates Ohio in Convincing WinJan 27, 2026