Kent State University
3-2,0-1MAC
University of Akron
4-1,2-0MAC
Flashes Fall to Rival Zips in MAC Opener
1/1/2021 10:27:00 PM | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio- The Kent State men's basketball team (3-2, 0-1 MAC) was unable to overcome a second-half surge from Akron (4-1, 2-0 MAC), dropping its Mid-American Conference opener, 66-62, to the Zips Friday evening inside James A. Rhodes Arena.
Kent State was led by Michael Nuga who scored 19 points, grabbed eight rebounds and, dished out an assist. Danny Pippen added 16 points and a game-high nine rebounds, while Tervell Beck scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds.
The Flashes had a strong start and led 10-2 out of the gate as Akron missed its first five shots. Kent State's hot offense and active defense continued as the Flashes took their largest lead of the game, 23-7. Kent State outscored the Zips 24-6 in the paint and held Akron to 27.6 percent shooting (8-of-29) in the opening half as the Flashes headed into the break with a 33-24 lead.
Akron went on 13-1 run early in the second half that tied the game at 37. The Zips went on another scoring run to take a 57-47 lead after a 3-pointer. A three-pointer from Nuga followed by a putback cut KSU's deficit to 61-60. In the final minute of the game, Giovanni Santiago missed a game tying three with 29 seconds left, as the Zips would claim the 66-62 victory.
As a team, Kent State shot 38.1 percent (24-of-63) from the floor and 21.7 percent (5-of-23) from beyond the arc. KSU forced the Zips to turn the ball over 15 times scoring 20 points off turnovers.
The Flashes return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 5 against Toledo at the M.A.C. Center. Tip time is scheduled for 6 p.m.
