Sophomore guard Jordan Mincy navigates around Temple guard Chris Clark on Nov. 21 when the Flashes defeated the Owls 63-54. Kent State will play at Cleveland State today at 7 p.m. DAVID ANTHONY RANUCCI | DAILY KENT STATER

Credit: Steve Schirra

After a dramatic double-overtime loss to Butler, the Kent State men’s basketball team continues with its second consecutive road game tonight at Cleveland State.

“It’s a long year,” Kent State Coach Jim Christian said. “We have to try and get better each game and try to learn from everything that we do, whether we win or lose.”

Christian said he was happy with the intensity the Flashes competed with.

“We executed very well and we gave ourselves a chance to win against a good basketball team.”

Along with playing well, the game also highlighted some skills the team needs to develop.

“And now we need to learn how to put teams away when we have the opportunity,” Christian said.

Butler put an end to Kent State’s two-game winning streak. The Flashes look to return the favor to Cleveland State (4-3), who are on a two-game win steak of their own.

“Obviously playing at home, they’re going to play with a lot of confidence,” Christian said. “We’re going to have to come out and match their intensity right away.

“Every time you go on the road it’s a great challenge,” Christian said. “But we’re going to do everything we can to give ourselves a chance to win.”

The game against Kent State is the final home game before the Vikings go on a four-game road trip.

Christian said the Vikings are most dangerous with their athleticism and their ability to rebound. They average more than 35 per game.

The Flashes will see a familiar face when they head to the Wolstein Center. Former Kent State coach Gary Waters is in his first season leading Cleveland State.

“We have a tremendous amount of respect for him, but at the same time we have a job to do, and so do they,” Christian said about the former Flashes coach.

Kent State leads the series with Cleveland State 24-18. They defended home court last season with an 83-68 win at the M.A.C. Center.

The Flashes won’t have another game until Dec. 9, when they travel to Fort Wayne, Ind. to take on Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Contact men’s basketball reporter Deanna Stevens at [email protected].