Kent State Edges Toledo in Thrilling Contest
Friday, January 16, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · M.A.C. Center
Kent State Golden Flashes 87, Toledo Rockets 84, 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 Toledo Rockets vs Kent State Golden Flashes?
Kent State Golden Flashes beat Toledo Rockets 87-84 at M.A.C. Center on January 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Toledo Rockets vs Kent State Golden Flashes?
Kent State Golden Flashes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -238 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Kent State Golden Flashes narrowly defeated the Toledo Rockets with a final score of 87-84 at the M.A.C. Center. This victory continues Kent State's strong performance this season, improving their home record to 15-4 overall and maintaining their dominance at home with a perfect 6-0 record against conference opponents.
Kent State entered the game with a recent record of 7-3 over their last ten games, showcasing an impressive average of 88.2 points scored while allowing 79.3 points per game. Their latest game prior to facing Toledo was a win against the Buffalo Bulls, where they triumphed 87-81. The Golden Flashes had been on a one-game winning streak heading into this contest, demonstrating their offensive prowess, particularly at home, where they averaged 81.0 points in their last five games.
On the other side, the Toledo Rockets came into the game with a record of 10-8, having won six of their last ten games. They recently secured a victory against the Ohio Bobcats, winning 101-85, and were also on a one-game winning streak. Toledo's scoring average was slightly lower than that of Kent State, at 84.9 points per game, while they allowed an average of 77.7 points. Their away record stood at 2-4, indicating some struggles on the road compared to their home performance, where they had a 4-1 record.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, Kent State had previously faced Toledo twice in the 2025 season, winning both encounters decisively. The Golden Flashes won 105-65 at home and 83-64 away, showcasing their ability to dominate Toledo in recent meetings.
Injury updates did not indicate any significant absences impacting either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. This was crucial, as both teams relied heavily on their key players to contribute to their scoring efforts.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Kent State favored by 5.5 points with a total set at 168.5. The odds reflected the expectations surrounding Kent State's home advantage and their recent form, while the spread indicated a competitive matchup.
The game conditions were optimal for basketball, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. Kent State's ability to score in high volumes was evident throughout the game, and they managed to maintain a slight edge over Toledo, particularly in the second half. The final moments of the game were tense, with Toledo making a late push to close the gap, but Kent State's free-throw shooting in the closing seconds secured their victory.
As the game concluded, viewers witnessed a thrilling display of college basketball, characterized by fast-paced play and strategic scoring. Kent State's ability to hold off Toledo's late-game surge was a testament to their resilience and skill, further solidifying their status as a formidable opponent in the NCAAB landscape.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KENT -5.5 | 168.5 o -110 / u -110 | Toledo Rockets +195 · Kent State Golden Flashes -238 |
Leaders
- PointsDelrecco Gillespie29Kent State Golden Flashes
- AssistsCian Medley9Kent State Golden Flashes
- ReboundsDelrecco Gillespie13Kent State Golden Flashes
- PointsLeroy Blyden Jr.19Toledo Rockets
- AssistsSonny Wilson6Toledo Rockets
- ReboundsLeroy Blyden Jr.6Toledo Rockets
Recent form
Kent State Golden Flashes
Last 10: 7-3Streak W188.2 scored · 79.3 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W87-81at Buffalo BullsJan 13
- L85-87at Central Michigan ChippewasJan 10
- 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
Toledo Rockets
Last 10: 6-4Streak W184.9 scored · 77.7 allowed per game2-3 away
- W101-85vs Ohio BobcatsJan 14
- L73-87vs Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 9
- W75-61at Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 7
- W78-75at Central Michigan ChippewasJan 3
- W84-79vs Western Michigan BroncosDec 30
- W100-67vs Lourdes Gray WolvesDec 20
- L69-92at Michigan State SpartansDec 16
- L70-75at Robert Morris ColonialsDec 13
- L97-98at Oakland Golden GrizzliesDec 6
- W102-58vs Central State MaraudersDec 1
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 | Toledo Rockets | Kent State Golden Flashes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-59 | 27-57 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 8-19 | 7-24 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 29 |
| Free throws | 20-29 | 26-36 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 24 |
| Assists | 15 | 16 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 40 |
| Fouls | 25 | 27 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 14 | 14 |
| Time in front | 43 | 42 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half53-57Delrecco Gillespie makes 3-foot dunk (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half54-57Leroy Blyden Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-57Leroy Blyden Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half58-57Austin Parks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-57Austin Parks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-58Dezmon Briscoe makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-60Delrecco Gillespie makes layup
- 2nd Half59-61Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-61Leroy Blyden Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaylan Ouwinga assists)
- 2nd Half62-63Delrecco Gillespie makes layup
- 2nd Half62-66Cian Medley makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half62-68Delrecco Gillespie makes layup (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half63-68Jaylan Ouwinga makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-68Jaylan Ouwinga makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Austin Parks makes layup
- 2nd Half67-68Austin Parks makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-71Jahari Williamson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Delrecco Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half67-74Jahari Williamson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half68-74Sonny Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-77Jahari Williamson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Quinn Woidke assists)
- 2nd Half71-77Sonny Wilson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Austin Parks assists)
- 2nd Half72-77Austin Parks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-77Austin Parks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-77Sean Craig makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-78Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-79Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-79Austin Parks makes layup
- 2nd Half76-81Delrecco Gillespie makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half76-82Jahari Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-83Jahari Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-83Mynor Strong makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-83Mynor Strong makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-84Quinn Woidke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-84Leroy Blyden Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half80-85Quinn Woidke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-86Quinn Woidke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-86Sean Craig makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-86Sean Craig makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-87Cian Medley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-87Sonny Wilson makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Kent State Golden Flashes, below favours Toledo Rockets.
Venue
- M.A.C. CenterKent, OH
- Attendance2433
- OfficialsKelly Pfeifer, Mike O'Neill, Jourdan Love
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 Edges Toledo in Close ContestFeb 3, 2026
- Toledo Dominates Kent State in Conference ClashOct 18, 2025