KENT, Ohio -- Kellon Thomas was 8 of 10 from the free throw line in the final 2:18 as Kent State held off Central Michigan in a conference cross-over game Saturday night.

Down by nine at intermission, Central Michigan, with just one win in 12 Mid-America Conference games, took the lead midway through the second half.

Mark Henninger's layup with 13:11 to play tied the game at 41-41 and sparked Kent State to a 20-9 run that gave them an 11-point lead with 6:25 left.

Thomas and Chris Ortiz each scored 17 points to lead the Golden Flashes (14-11, 5-7 MAC). Kris Brewer added 14 points and Derek Jackson contributed 13.

Chris Fowler score 19 points on 5 of 11 shooting to lead the Chippewas (8-16, 1-11), with Blake Hibbitts and and Braylon Rayson each adding another 12 points and John Simons 11.