Preview: Kent State Looks to Extend Winning Streak at Ball State MUNCIE, Ind. (Interstat) — A surging Kent State squad aims to continue its push atop the Mid-American Conference standings when it visits struggling Ball State on Saturday. The Golden Flashes (18-7) enter Worthen Arena having won three of their last four, including a 95-91 home victory over Eastern Michigan on Wednesday. Guard Morgan Safford led the way with 23 points in that win, continuing a strong stretch where he has averaged 15.1 points over his last eight games. Point guard Cian Medley added a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists. Kent State’s recent success has been built on tight victories, with three of their last five wins coming by three points or fewer, including a 75-72 triumph at Toledo on Feb. 3. Ball State (8-16) seeks to halt a skid after a 63-53 home loss to Buffalo on Wednesday. The Cardinals have lost four of their last five, with their lone win in that span coming at Louisiana-Monroe on Feb. 7. Guard Armoni Zeigler is a key figure for the Cardinals, capable of explosive performances. He scored 28 points in a win over Ohio on Jan. 16 and averaged 17.2 points over a five-game stretch from Jan. 16-31. However, he was held to seven points in the loss to Buffalo. The matchup pits one of the MAC’s hottest teams against one searching for consistency. Kent State’s efficient offense, which has scored 87 or more points in four of its last eight games, will test a Ball State defense that has allowed 73 points or more in six of its last nine contests. Historically, the road team has won the last two meetings in this series. Ball State will need a significant defensive effort to counter Kent State’s momentum and avoid falling further in the conference standings. Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon. Kent State visits Bowling Green on Tuesday, while Ball State travels to Ohio.