Kent State Announces Non-Conference Basketball Schedule
5/30/2013 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – Highlighted by a school record 18 home games, Kent State's men's basketball schedule for the 2013-14 season. Third-year head coach Rob Senderoff announced the non-conference portion of the upcoming men's basketball season on Thursday (May 30).
"We wanted to put together a tough non-conference schedule that will help get us prepared for the conference," said Senderoff. "Our schedule includes five teams that participated in post-season tournaments, two regular season conference champions, and three schools that won 20 or more games last season."
"We're fortunate that this year we get to play 18 home games. Playing at home this many times takes a commitment from your Athletics Director and administration. I'm really thankful that our administration has chosen to support our program in this manner."
The Golden Flashes will tip-off the season at home for the second consecutive season when they host the Polar Bears of Ohio Northern on Friday, November 8. Â
The team will then hit the road for two games in three games. The Flashes will look to avenge a loss from last year when they challenge NCAA Tournament third-round competitor Temple on November 11 at the Liacouras Center. A trip to Newark, N.J. to take on Seton Hall on November 13 for the Flashes' first of four games as part of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, one of the most prestigious early-season college basketball tournaments.
"Playing Temple and Seton Hall, who are members of the Big East and [newly-formed] American Athletic Conference, will provide us with a high level of competition at the start of the season," Senderoff said.
Kent State will begin a seven-game homestand when it hosts St. Peter's on November 17. Serving as a sub-host for the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, the Flashes will play Niagara, Western Carolina and USC Upstate November 21-23. They will close out the month with a home contest against Youngstown State, who lost in the second round of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament last season, on November 27.
December opens with home games against Kennesaw State (Dec. 1) and Bucknell (Dec. 4). After winning a Patriot League title, the Bison lost 68-65 to Butler in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season.
The Flashes will finally go back on the road with a contest at College Basketball Invitational competitor College of Charleston on December 21. The Cougars have averaged more than 23 wins over the past five seasons
After returning to the M.A.C. Center to take on long-time rival Cleveland State on December 28, the Flashes close out the 2013 calendar year at Ivy League perennial powerhouse, Princeton, on December 31.Â
"Cleveland State and Youngstown State are local rivals for us, so playing both of them at home is great for our fans," Senderoff said. "And then teams like Bucknell, College of Charleston, and Princeton, will provide us with a good measuring stick going into conference play."
Overall, Kent State will play a record 18 home games during the 2013-14 season. The final nine home games are part of the new 18-game Mid-American Conference schedule, which will be released at a later date.
Kent State returns three starters and nine letterwinners from last season's club that posted a 21-14 record. The Golden Flashes won 20+ games and advance to the postseason for the 14th time in the last 15 years. The Flashes ended their season with second round CollegeInsider.com Tournament loss to Loyola (Md.).
