Kent State wraps up MAC East with win

Jeff Russ

The Kent State men’s basketball team wrapped up an undefeated home season and clinched the Mid-American Conference East championship with a 50-39 win over Miami in front of a large crowd at the M.A.C. Center and an even bigger audience on ESPN2.

In the first half, Mike Scott carried the Flashes. In his final game at the M.A.C. Center, Scott scored 12 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. The other senior, forward Haminn Quaintance, grabbed 11 rebounds. Sophomore guard Chris Singletary led the Flashes in scoring with 15.

With the win, the Flashes advance to 24-6, 12-3 in the Mid-American Conference, and a perfect 16-0 at home. The last time the Flashes accomplished this was 2002.

Miami’s 39 points was the lowest point total by Kent State opponent this season. The previous low was 40 against St. Louis.

The win, paired with a Western Michigan loss, wrapped up the Flashes sixth MAC East Division Championship in eight years. They also will go into the MAC tournament with the No. 1 overall seed. It also guarantees the Flashes at least a bid in the National Invitation Tournament later this month.