Kent State at Cleveland State

Cleveland State is returning all 5 starters but that may not be so great. Last year's team was an improved 10 win team, but Cleveland State was the only team not to put anyone on any of the league All Conference teams. This team may be improved by default, but they did take a blow when Purdue transfer Ije Nwankwo jumped ship to try his hand at the professional ranks. Kent St. has become a "reload" program. They have had 3 coaches in 8 years, but have won 20+ in all 8 seasons. They lose, but replace, and this year is no different. They got an instant upgrade with Jacksonville transfer (player of the year), Haminn Quantance. Quaintance led Jacksonville in scoring, blocks, rebounding, and steals. Guess what? He leads Kent in scoring, rebounding, blocks, and steals. We like teams on the road that bring back experienced guards, and that is the strength of Kent's returners. Gates and Smith have both become double digit scorers this season, so the nucleus is in place for another 20 win season. We like the known quantity here on the road laying short points vs. a team that just doesn't have the same talent.