Kent State switched gears in February by accelerating the tempo. That triggered a five-game win streak, and a stretch of four 90+-point games in five to climb back into the MAC race, with a mature, senior-laden lineup led by hot G Jalen Sullinger (scored 34 in the second-round win at Stanford) lighting the fuse. Note the Flashes have scored 72 or more in 12 of their last 13 as well. Meanwhile, wins are wins, though the Ramblers have been riding lightning in this event with their own hair-raisers in the Bay Area against a sub-.500 San Jose State and a San Francisco side minus key cog Marcus Williams. The Golden Flashes can accelerate the pass better than any A-10 foe. Play Kent State (NIT).

Kent State has been roaring down the Ohio Turnpike since late January, scoring 72 or more in 12 of their last 13 games. More high speed tonight, as host Loyola likely has no desire to slow the pace after its NIT wins at San Jose & USF. Drew Valentine will be willing to take his chances in a shoot out between his hot G Jayden Dawson (scored 35 at USF) and the Golden Flashes' Jalen Sullinger, off of 34 points in the Stanford win. Many MAC foes tried to slow Kent State the past month, but easier said than done, especially if Sullinger (29 points or more in three of last six) keeps firing for the Flashes. Play Kent State-Loyola Chicago Over (NIT).