sentences:  Kent State would win their second-round match-up at Villanova before falling in the quarterfinals at Penn State.The 2000–2001 season saw the Flashes win their first-ever MAC East title and their second tournament title to return to the NCAA Tournament.The experience in the NIT proved to be valuable as Kent State scored their first win, a 77–73  upset over the fourth-seeded Indiana Hoosiers, before falling to the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second round in San Diego.