Kent State University
10-5,7-4MAC
University of Akron
11-4,9-3MAC
Flashes Fall at Home to Zips
2/5/2021 10:24:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio- The Kent State University men's basketball team (10-5, 7-4 MAC) shot just 19.5% from the floor in the opening half and had their late rally fall short as the Flashes fell to Akron 72-61on Friday night at the M.A.C. Center.
Akron gained a half point in the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge.
The Flashes were led by senior Danny Pippen who was honored before the game for joining the 1,000-point club, notched his sixth double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Malique Jacobs added 12 points and three steals, while Tervell Beck and Giovanni Santiago closed out the double-digit scoring with 10 points apiece.
The closest the Flashes would get to the Zips was by four points, 12-8 after back-to-back layups from Beck and, an and-one play for Jacobs. Akron out-scored the Flashes in the final seven minutes of the opening half, 21-5, and would head into the break with a 38-18 lead.
The Zips increased their lead to 24 early in the second half, but the Flashes began to fight back. With Akron leading 64-35, Kent State went on a 15-3 run highlighted by a three from James Jordan and an and-one play by Pippen pulled the Flashes within five, 66-61, with 1:50 remaining. Akron would end the game on a 10-0 run and claim the 72-61 victory despite the Flashes outscoring the Zips, 43-34 in the second half.
For the game, Kent State shot 34.8 percent from the floor and 22.2 percent from beyond the arc, while Akron shot 45.8 percent from the floor and 44 percent from long range.
Kent State returns to action on Tuesday, Feb. 9 as the Flashes travel to Bowling Green. Tip time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
