KENT, Ohio (Interstat) — A surging Kent State squad will look to avenge an early-season loss and continue its push for a high seed in the Mid-American Conference tournament when it hosts Central Michigan on Tuesday afternoon at the Memorial Athletics Center. The Golden Flashes (20-7, 11-3 MAC) enter on a three-game winning streak and sit near the top of the conference standings. They will be heavily favored against the visiting Chippewas (9-18, 5-9), who sit near the bottom of the league but are responsible for one of Kent State’s three conference defeats. Kent State fell 87-85 at Central Michigan on Jan. 10, a result that adds intrigue to this rematch. The Golden Flashes have been led recently by guard Morgan Safford, who is coming off a 27-point performance in a 78-71 win at Bowling Green on Feb. 17. Over his last three games, Safford is averaging 20.7 points. Central Michigan arrives with momentum from an 83-70 home victory over Western Michigan on Feb. 21, which snapped a two-game skid. The Chippewas are powered by guard Tamario Adley, who scored 25 points and grabbed six rebounds in that win. Adley has been a consistent offensive threat, averaging 18.4 points over his last five contests. The matchup features a stark contrast in season trajectories. Kent State, under coach Rob Senderoff, has its sights set on a potential MAC regular-season title and postseason play. Central Michigan, led by coach Tony Barbee, is playing for pride and to build momentum for next season, though it has shown it can challenge the league’s best, as evidenced by the January upset. Defense will be a key factor. Kent State allows just 69.6 points per game in MAC play, while Central Michigan surrenders 77.1. The Chippewas will need another high-level performance from Adley and support from players like Phat Phat Brooks (19 points vs. Western Michigan) and shot-blocker Nathan Claerbaut (11 blocks in last game) to counter Kent State’s balance and home-court advantage. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. Kent State will host Akron on Saturday, while Central Michigan travels to Buffalo on Feb. 28.