The Kent State men’s basketball increased its win streak to seven Tuesday, sweeping the season series against Toledo.

KSU won 72-59 against the former first-place Rockets. The loss knocked Toledo out of first place. This is the Kent State’s longest win streak since 2012.

The Flashes improve to 16-9 on the season and 11-4 in the MAC, and they are one game behind Toledo for second place. The Rockets drop to 20-6 and 12-3 in the conference. 

Kent State dominated Toledo in the first half. 

“We got off to a great start,” head coach Rob Senderoff said. “The defense was awesome, and it was an overall great team win.”

The Flashes went on a 12-2 run starting at 11:11 in the first half. 

KSU took a 16-point lead heading into the locker room leading 36-20. 

Redshirt junior guard Sincere Carry was on fire in the first half scoring 16 points, shooting 7-of-9 and went 2-of-2 from three. 

Kent State’s defense was dominant, holding Toledo to 24 percent (7-29) shooting and 16 percent (1-6) from three-point range in the first half. 

“That is what you have to do to win,” Senderoff said. “You have to do a great job defensively, which we did and [the] guys played really well.”

The Flashes shot the ball well, shooting 59 percent (16-27) and 40 percent (2-5) from behind the arc in the first half. 

KSU maintained the lead in the second half. 

The Flashes utilized their ability to draw fouls in the second half, drawing 14 fouls and shooting 78 percent (11-14) from the free-throw line. 

Carry was the team’s leading scorer finishing with 23 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal. Redshirt junior guard Malique Jacobs added 14 points, with six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. 

“The offense was great,” Senderoff said. “Malique, [Carry] and the whole team defensively were fantastic, and it was a great win for the team.”

Kent State is currently in third place in the MAC standings. Ohio University is currently in first place in the MAC.

The Flashes will take on Ohio University on Friday at the M.A.C. Center and will look to make it eight straight wins. 

“It would be great if we had a great crowd,” Senderoff said. “The players are playing really well, playing against the top team in the conference, and it is on national TV.”

Jacob Hansen is a sports reporter. Contact him at [email protected].