Illinois State Ends Kent State's Season in NIT First Round

The Golden Flashes fall short in their postseason run after a 79-58 loss to the Redbirds.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:19am

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The Kent State men's basketball team's season came to an end with a 79-58 loss to Illinois State in the first round of the NIT. The Redbirds built a 20-point halftime lead and hit 13 3-pointers on the night to defeat the Golden Flashes, who shot just 33% from the field.

Why it matters

Kent State had a strong 24-10 season, but fell short of their goal of making the NCAA Tournament after being eliminated in the MAC Tournament semifinals. This NIT loss marks the end of their 2025-26 campaign.

The details

Illinois State was led by Landon Wolf's 24 points, including 5 3-pointers, and Chase Walker's 19 points. The Redbirds shot 37% from beyond the arc, while Kent State struggled offensively, shooting just 33% from the field. Rob Whaley Jr. scored 13 points and Jahari Williamson added 11 for the Golden Flashes, but leading scorer Delrecco Gillespie was held to 5 points.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
  • Kent State's season ended with this first-round NIT loss.

The players

Landon Wolf

A player for Illinois State who scored a game-high 24 points, including 5 3-pointers.

Chase Walker

A player for Illinois State who scored 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting.

Rob Whaley Jr.

A player for Kent State who scored 13 points in the loss.

Jahari Williamson

A player for Kent State who scored 11 points in the game.

Delrecco Gillespie

Kent State's leading scorer, who was held to 5 points but grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“The Kent State men's basketball team's season has come to a crashing halt.”

— Mike Popovich, Author

What’s next

Illinois State will advance to face Wake Forest in the next round of the NIT.

The takeaway

Kent State's strong 24-10 season ended in disappointment with this first-round NIT loss, as they were unable to build on their semifinal appearance in the MAC Tournament.