MAC Memories - Volume 1 - Games 10-6

Hi again everybody! Happy New Year from the Kent State IMG Sports Network!

Earlier this week, both our men and women's basketball teams began the nightly drama (and sometimes torture!) that is Mid-American Conference play. As I was preparing for the KSU/Ohio opener, I started to daydream about some of the classic MAC games I've seen since my involvement with Kent State.

So, to coincide with the start of what is sure to be another exciting MAC season, I have come up with 10 of my favourite moments. The only rule was that it had to be a game I personally witnessed. Watching on television didn't count. We will start the countdown with numbers 10 through six this week and then the top five in a couple weeks leading up to the Akron game!

If you agree, disagree, were there and have memories or just want to share some of your own personal highlights, please feel free!

Without further adieu, let the countdown begin!

#10  - January 25 2004 – Toledo @ Kent State

In marched the first place Toledo Rockets on a frigid Sunday in Kent. With a 13-3, 7-1 record, Stan Joplin’s Rockets were loaded with talent and the pick of many to finally unseat KSU as the MAC’s dominant program. The Flashes were 12-3 overall and a solid 6-1 in conference play.

Eric Haut

The game was tied early before the Golden Flashes made a run – one of several they’d make on the afternoon. And when Eric Haut, Jason Edwin and Bryan Bedford unleashed a long-range barrage, Joplin could do little to slow KSU’s furious pace other than burn timeout after timeout. A raucous MAC Center crowd of 5,879 witnessed Haut and Edwin combine for 40 of Kent State’s 92 points. But perhaps more impressive was the Flashes’ defense – holding Keith Triplett to a 2/12 shooting day with four turnovers and a frustration-induced technical foul.

Kent State 92, Toledo 56 F

#9 – March 8 2013 – Kent State @ Akron

The national television lights shined bright on the MAC’s two powers for the regular season finale at James A. Rhodes Arena. And as a sellout crowd of better than 5,000 white-clad Zips fans looked on, a KSU newcomer stole the show.

With the game still hanging tantalizingly up for grabs, Kent State junior Darren Goodson simply took over the game. On one end, he made clutch shot after clutch shot. On the other, he grabbed rebounds, outmuscled larger opponents and took a key charge that turned the game around. And in between he came of age as a team leader, taking command of the huddle both on and off the court. His 19 points and 8 rebounds were just enough to lead the Flashes to victory on Akron’s Senior night.

Kent State 68, Akron 64 F

#8 – February 21, 2011 – Kent State @ Western Michigan

The only thing he didn’t do was drive the bus home.

KSU’s Michael Porrini put the Flashes on his back at Western Michigan’s University Arena down the stretch, helping Kent to a road win that completely changed the complexion of the conference race.

Michael Porrini

Trailing 70-69, the Massillon product caught fire, capitalizing on a three-point play to give the Flashes a lead with a minute to play. After a quick Bronco bucket, the Flashes had the ball with 30 seconds remaining, tied at 72. Although the first shot attempt was missed, Porrini skied to the rafters to snare the offensive rebound – allowing Kent State to set up a final play. 

Following a time out the Golden Flashes ran the clock down to under 10 seconds when the 6'2" guard was isolated at the top of the key.  Porrini, who had 15 of his team high 19 points in the second half, then delivered once again hitting a 17-foot pull-up jumper to give the Golden Flashes their two point lead.  Not to be outdone he then stole a three-quarters court desperation in bounds pass to seal the win and give Kent State's its 23rd consecutive victory over a West Division opponent.

Kent State 74, Western Michigan 72 F

#7 – February 27 2013 – Buffalo @ Kent State

Throughout Kent State’s basketball renaissance, the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center has been a house of horrors for many teams who attempt to brave its confines. But no team had found the venerable structure more terrifying than the Buffalo Bulls. And as they made the trek down I-90 for the second regular season meeting, the Flashes had perhaps the most gruesome finish in store for them, yet.

Down 15 points in the final 12 minutes, it would have taken quite a leap of faith to expect KSU to keep the Bulls winless in Portage County. Six times already this year they’d lost excruciatingly in the final seconds. But Melvin Tabb – banished to the bench in the first half – was called from it in the second and provided just the spark KSU needed. His 14 points and five rebounds in the final 14 minutes of regulation sent the game into overtime tied at 73.

Evans beats the Bulls

As the two clubs slugged furiously away at each other in the extra session, the game remained deadlocked at 81 as Kent State prepared for the final possession. The Flashes put the ball in the hands of Chris Evans and he started his drive as the seconds ticked away. Three different Buffalo players challenged Evans as he drove for the basket, including Bulls star Javon McCrea, but the Kent State senior managed to hang in the air just long enough to get off the first buzzer beater of his life.

The four footer banked in to set off a wild celebration as the clock hit zero, sending KSU to a MAC tournament bye, and Buffalo to 0-16 lifetime at the MAC Center.

Kent State 83, Buffalo 81 F/OT

#6 – January 19 2005 – Buffalo @ Kent State

Head coach Reggie Witherspoon had guided a long-dormant Buffalo Bulls basketball program into constant Mid-American Conference contention. His 2004-2005 squad was his best to date, with three-point sharpshooter Calvin Cage and MAC Player of the Year favorite Turner Battle.

Turner Battle

As the two new rivals took to the parquet for an early conference showdown, the drama began instantly. Battle and Cage were magnificent and the Flashes got contributions from up and down head coach Jim Christian’s lineup. With a 30-29 lead at halftime, KSU watched UB shoot 64 percent in the second half. Yet the Flashes moved ahead by three on a couple of Kevin Warzynski free throws with four seconds left, 70-67. But Battle stole the stage and buried an impossible three at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. He then hit the first field goal of OT and seemed primed to run away with the game. But a Jason Edwin three turned the score around and the Flashes outscored the Bulls in the extra period, 15-10 to hold on for the classic win.

Battle finished 9/16 for 25 points to lead all scorers, and won the respect from the KSU crowd in the process. Meanwhile, Kent State had six of its eight players in double figures – led by Edwin’s 18. There were five ties in the remarkable contest and an astounding 18 lead changes.

Kent State 85, Buffalo 80 F/OT

There you have it! My sixth through tenth picks. Check back in a week or so for my top five. Until then, and as always,

GO FLASHES!

-TL