The unofficial online home for fans of the Kent State University Golden Flashes. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

Coming off one of the flatter home losses in the recent memory, the Flashes travel to Savannah Georgia for two games against Valparaiso and Loyola Chicago.

First, I would like to say that Savannah Georgia is a gem. What a wonderful city.

As for the basketball; Valpo is unbeaten on the season with wins over Robert Morris, Chicago State, Samford and Southeast Louisiana (83-50). The Crusaders are outscoring the competition 87 - 55 and have three players averaging double digit points so far this year. Tevvon Walker, a 6'2 senior guard from Canada is averaging 16 points per game. Walker is joined in the backcourt by a pair of 6'6 wings in Joe Burton (13 ppg) and Markus Golder (11 ppg).

Valparaiso also has two 7 footers under the hoop. Sophomore Derrik Smits (7'2/240) averages 9 points and 5 boards in 20 minutes per night and sophomore Jaume Sorolla (7'0/240) of Spain averages about 4 points and 2 rebounds in 13 minutes of action. Smits is the son of Rik Smits who I thoroughly enjoyed watching compete against the Cavs and in the NBA playoffs years ago. He was tough, edgy and played within himself for some darn good Pacer teams.

Otherwise, there are a handful of guys between 6'2-6'6 who seem to produce quite well for the Crusaders of the Missouri Valley.

While I expect the tired argument of how the season "only matters for one week in March" this is a big ballgame. Competing with and beating programs like Valpo is what put Kent State basketball on the map years ago. This group may not quite be ready to do that, and that is fine. But a twenty five point loss won't do much for attendance and excitement when the Flashes return home to take on CSU in early December. We will take a look at Loyola on the same thread sometime tomorrow during the....Michigan....game!

Go Flashes!