UPDATE: Kent State men’s basketball secured a thrilling 96-93 victory over Bowling Green on January 10, 2023, marking the 300th career win for head coach Rob Senderoff. This intense Mid-American Conference showdown took place at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, further extending Kent’s winning streak against Bowling Green to an impressive 13 games.
The final moments were electrifying, with the game coming down to critical foul shots. With 2:41 left on the clock, Delrecco Gillespie’s layup and free throw put Kent ahead 90-88. The scoring rapidly intensified, as Bowling Green’s Troy Glover and Mayor Wal responded, keeping the game tightly contested.
In a nail-biting finish, Gillespie returned to the line, sinking two crucial shots to narrow Bowling Green’s lead to 93-92. With just 20 seconds remaining, Gillespie seized a critical rebound, converting it into a layup that shifted the score to 94-93. He then sealed the win with two final free throws, effectively clinching the game.
“Everyone really competed at a high level for our team,” said Senderoff. “To be able to get the stop that we needed at the last minute is huge for this group.”
Gillespie was the standout player, finishing with 32 points and 10 rebounds, while Morgan Safford contributed 22 points and 6 rebounds. Cian Medley added 11 points and 10 assists, showcasing a collective team effort. Gillespie commented on his free throw routine, stating, “I try to shoot 100 free throws with my shooting coach. I just treated it like any other free throw, did my routine and knocked them down.”
Kent State’s shooting stats were impressive, finishing at 89.5% from the free throw line, 54% from the field, and 44% from beyond the arc. With this win, the Flashes improved to 3-0 in MAC play and 12-3 overall, while Bowling Green fell to 2-2 and 11-5.
The game was fiercely competitive, featuring 22 lead changes and 17 ties, with both teams locked at 45-all at halftime. Kent held the lead for 24:03 of the game, with their largest lead being nine points.
Kent State will look to build on this momentum as they continue their MAC schedule against Central Michigan on Saturday. Meanwhile, Bowling Green is aiming to break their two-year absence from the MAC tournament following this narrow defeat.
This victory not only highlights Kent’s resilience but also adds another milestone to Senderoff’s career, emphasizing his impact on the program. Fans and alumni are sure to rally behind the Flashes as they push forward in this season.
