Friday, November 28th, 6:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: South Padre Island Convention Center (2,000) -- South Padre Island, Texas. Television: Fox College Sports Atlantic. Home Record: KSU 2-0, Illinois 3-0. Away Record: KSU 1-0, Illinois 1-0. Neutral Record: KSU 0-0, Illinois 0-0. Conference Record: KSU 0-0, Illinois 0-0. Series Record: Illinois leads, 3-0.

GAME NOTES: Two undefeated teams will collide in the South Padre Island Invitational this evening, as the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Kent State Golden Flashes meet on the court at the South Padre Island Convention Center. The winner of this contest will play either Texas A&M or Tulsa on Saturday. For the first time since the 2003-04 campaign the Kent State Golden Flashes are off to a 3-0 start to a season. The last time the Flashes were on the floor the team put forth a convincing effort against UNC-Wilmington, dominating the Seahawks, 83-64. As for the Fighting Illini, they have also been flawless this year, and head into this matchup with a 4-0 ledger. The last time Illinois was on the floor, the Fighting Illini collected a convincing, 78-64 win over Jackson State. Dating back to last season the Fighting Illini have won eight of their last nine contests. With respect to the all-time series between the two schools on the hardwood, the Fighting Illini have won all three matchups, but these two teams have not met since 1979.

The Golden Flashes have been tremendous at both ends of the floor this season, which is why the team is perfect thus far. KSU is currently limiting teams to just 60.0 ppg, and a mere 38.7 percent shooting effort from the floor. The team has been just as impressive at the other end of the floor, and comes into this contest averaging a tremendous 80.7 ppg, while shooting an equally impressive 49.7 percent from the field. Al Fisher has been the best scoring threat for KSU, as the guard is producing 22.3 ppg. Chris Singletary is contributing 15.3 ppg, while Julian Sullinger is chipping in 10.7 ppg to go along with 4.3 rpg. The Flashes' tenacious defensive play continued in the win over UNC-Wilmington, as KSU limited the Seahawks to a pathetic 37.3 percent shooting effort, and also forced 19 turnovers. At the other end of the floor, the Flashes shot a solid 50.0 percent, while being led by Singletary who netted 23 points to go along with six rebounds and six assists. Sullinger contributed 18 points and seven rebounds in the win, while Fisher tallied 17 points.

Much like their counterpart, the Illini have been solid at both ends of the floor. Illinois is currently holding the opposition to a meager 57.5 ppg, and just 36.4 percent shooting from the field. At the other end of the floor the Illini have been just as strong, netting 71.2 ppg, while sooting a strong 45.9 percent. Mike Davis has been unstoppable in the paint, netting 14.3 ppg, while also grabbing a team-best 9.3 rpg. Trent Meacham is contributing 14.0 ppg on the year, while Demetri McCamey is posting 13.8 ppg to go along with 4.8 apg. In the recent win over Jackson State the Illini were outstanding, shooting a sizzling 62.0 percent from the floor, while also netting 6-of-14 three-point attempts. Davis tallied 20 points, six rebounds and five assists in the win, while Dominique Keller and Meacham contributed 16 and 10 points, respectively.

Both Kent State and Illinois have been strong defensively, so expect a low- scoring battle. The Illini have slightly more talent offensively, especially down in the paint, which should be the difference in this matchup.

Predicted Outcome

Illinois 65, Kent State 58