KENT, Ohio - Golden Flash fans will get their first look at the 2009-10 men's basketball team as Kent State hosts Ohio Northern in an exhibition game tonight at the M.A.C. Center.  Admission is free for the 7:00 pm contest.  If you cannot make it to the game follow the Golden Flashes online with free audio and video.  

The Golden Flashes have their sights set on an 11th postseason appearance in the past 12 years as they welcome back eight letterwinners, including six seniors to the roster this season.  The six seniors give the program the most since the 1991-92 season. Among the eight returners are two starters which will also be joined by two redshirts and four newcomers.  Kent State was picked to finish second in the MAC Media Preason Poll after compiling a 19-15 overall record and a runner-up finish in the MAC East at 10-6.

With only the 10 returners allowed to compete, the Golden Flashes compiled a 3-1 record during a four-game overseas trip to Italy against Italian professional teams at the end of August. Tyree Evans led KSU with 16.8 points per game during the trip, while Rodriquez Sherman contributed 15.5 points, 5.0 assists and 3.3 steals a contest. 

The Polar Bears are coached by former Ohio University Assistant Coach John Rhodes.  Rhodes, who took over the ONU program last May is only the sixth head men’s basketball coach at the school since 1949.  Ohio Northern finished the 18-9 overall in 2008-09 posting its 19th consecutive winning season, and was third in the Ohio Athletic Conference with an 11-7 record this year.