KENT, Ohio (AP) Derek Jackson had 18 points and Kent State held a double-digit lead through the entire second half in a 69-59 win over Ohio on Saturday.
Kent State (12-5, 3-1 Mid-American) had its largest lead at 61-40 with 5 minutes left and was never threatened by Ohio's rally to within 10.
Kris Brewer scored 14 points and a pair of 3-pointers for the Golden Flashes, who built their first-half lead to 26-15 with a 14-2 run and closed the period up 30-19. Jimmy Hall added 12 points and Chris Ortiz scored 10.
Maurice Ndour had 19 points and 12 rebounds in his seventh double-double of the season to lead Ohio (5-10, 0-4). Stevie Taylor added 10 points.
The Bobcats outrebounded Kent State 41-34 but struggled with 18-of-53 shooting (34 percent) and 14 turnovers.
The Golden Flashes stayed tied with Buffalo, Bowling Green and Akron atop the MAC East Division.
