Scores & Stats

Kent State defeats Ohio 68-61

KENT, Ohio (AP) Randal Holt scored 20 points and Kent Sate secured a bye in the upcoming Mid-American Conference tournament with a 68-61 win over Ohio on Wednesday night.

Justin Green added 16 points and Chris Evans had 12 for the Golden Flashes (20-9, 10-5), who snapped a three-game losing streak.

Kent State joins Kansas, Creighton and Gonzaga as the only programs in the Division I to win at least 10 conference games in 14 straight seasons. The Golden Flashes, who avenged an early season 22-point loss to Ohio, improved to 6-0 in home conference games.

Kent State went on a 15-1 run midway through the first half to lead 30-17 with 6:36 left until halftime. A 3-pointer by Ohio's Nick Kellogg closed the gap to 59-56, but Kent State made 9 of 12 free throws in the final 1:18 to seal the win.

D.J. Cooper scored 23 points for Ohio (23-6, 10-4).

Updated February 29, 2012