PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — A surging Kent State squad aims to extend its dominant early-season run when it visits the Chiles Center to face Portland in a nonconference men’s basketball game Sunday. The Golden Flashes (9-1) bring a seven-game winning streak to the West Coast, fresh off a 111-68 rout of Roberts Wesleyan on Dec. 6. Their lone loss came in overtime to Troy in the season opener. The Pilots (6-4), meanwhile, seek consistency after a split in their last two outings, a 104-87 win over Lewis & Clark followed by a 94-72 road loss to Stanford. Kent State’s attack is fueled by guard Morgan Safford, who is coming off an efficient 22-point performance in just 15 minutes against Roberts Wesleyan. Over his last five games, Safford has averaged 14.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists, providing versatile production. He is supported by contributors like Delrecco Gillespie and Magnus Entenmann, who combined for 24 points and six blocks in the latest victory. Portland will counter with forward James O’Donnell, a potent scorer capable of explosive nights. He dropped 32 points in 23 minutes against Lewis & Clark on Dec. 5. However, his output has fluctuated, scoring nine points against Stanford and going scoreless in 15 minutes against Saint Thomas (Minn.) the previous week. The Pilots will need a major performance from him and backcourt partner Cameron Williams (18 points, 4 assists vs. Lewis & Clark) to challenge Kent State’s momentum. This game represents a final tune-up for both teams before challenging stretches. Kent State visits Massachusetts on Dec. 20 before a daunting trip to Purdue on Dec. 29. Portland faces a quick turnaround, visiting in-state rival Oregon on Wednesday. The Pilots hold the home-court advantage, but face a stern test against a Kent State team that has won its games by an average margin of 19.2 points during the current streak. Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon at Portland’s Chiles Center.