Kent State improved to 16-5 overall (5-3 MAC), while the Cardinals dropped to 11-11 (2-7 MAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Ball State carried a three-point lead late in overtime but a driving layup by Jalen Avery cut it to 80-79 with 17 seconds left, and then the Flashes immediately trapped Kyle Mallers, forcing him out of bounds before he could take a time out. Antonio Williams went to work with 17 seconds left throwing up an off-balance three, but aggressively chased down his own miss and put it in for the go-ahead score in one swift motion.
Following a timeout, Ball State attempted a half-court pass that sailed wide and into the seats giving the ball back to KSU. CJ Williamson hit two crucial free throws and Persons' desperation heave was off target as the Flashes survived the 83-80 win in overtime.
The win gave Kent State its second overtime win in its last three games and improved the squad to 7-0 in games decided by five points or fewer.
LEADERS
The Flashes had five players in double-figure scoring with Avery and Jaylin Walker leading the way with 18 points apiece. Avery added three rebounds and four assists, while Walker brought down six rebounds, six assists, and four takeaways.
Williamson scored his first double-digit game since Vanderbilt with 13 points and Akiean Frederick also added 13 points and seven rebounds. Philip Whittington rounded out the players with 13 points, eight rebounds, and one assist.
Ball State's K.J. Walton led the game with 26 points and five rebounds. Tayler Persons had 17 points and a seven rebounds, while Zach Gun added 11 points.
(Courtesy of KSU Athletics)