Kent State University
University of Akron
Flashes Host Rival Matchup Against Akron
1/18/2024 6:18:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, OH – The Kent State Men's basketball team is back for the anticipated rival matchup against Akron on Friday, Jan. 19. Tip-off time for Friday's game is 7 p.m. The Flashes and Zips will meet for the 163rd time. Kent State and Akron can be viewed on ESPNU with Jordan Bernfield (PxP) and Tim McCormick (Analyst). Fans can listen on ESPN Cleveland with Rob Polinksy and on our GoFlashes App.Â
Last time out
The Golden Flashes bounced back on the road against NIU earlier this week with an 83-76 victory. The Flashes are now 9-8 overall and fifth in the Mid-American Conference with a 2-3 record going into Friday's game. The Flashes are led by Senior Chris Payton Jr. and Junior Jalen Sullinger. Payton Jr. has recorded double-digits 13 times this season and three double-doubles. Payton Jr. led the Flashes in their first MAC game with 20 points and six boards. Sullinger leads the team with 14.7 points per game and has recorded 15 double-digit games while hitting 39 threes. VonCameron Davis has been in and out of the starting five while heavily impacting the offense and defense. Davis led the Flashes with a career-high 23 points against NIU. Davis averages double-digits going into Friday night's game.
The Flashes average 78.2 points per game and have a +4.3 scoring margin. The Flashes also are shooting 45.5% from the field and 76.8 from the foul line. Three players are averaging double-figures going into Friday's game. Over the past 25 seasons, the Flashes hold a 296-71 (.807) record at home. Kent State hasn't lost more than four home games in a single season since 2016-17.
Key Players for the Zips
The Zips are leading the MAC with an undefeated MAC record going into Friday's game. Overall, the Zips are 13-4 and rank 14th in the most recent Mid Major Poll. Senior Enrique Freeman and senior guard Ali Ali earned preseason all-league honors and were selected to finish first overall in regular season and Tournament play. Ali Ali returns to Akron from Butler where he spent one season and played in 18 games. Ali played in 88 games for the Zips. Offensive leader, Enrique Freeman, leads the Zips averaging 18.4ppg, 13.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. The Zips are coming off a 77-66 victory over WMU. Freeman finished with a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Series Match-up
The rival matchup will be the 163 matchup between the two teams. The Flashes lead the all-time series 82-80. The Zips are 26-55 inside the M.A.C. Center. The Flashes and Zips have met in the MAC Tournament nine times and four times in the MAC Tournament championship. The last time the two teams met was in the 2022-23 MAC Tournament Semifinals and Flashes came out on top 79-73.Â
Follow the Flashes
The Flashes will head to Bowling Green on Tuesday, Jan. 23 for their next contest. Tip-off time is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will also be available on ESPN+. Single-game tickets for the MAC 2023-24 season are on sale now. Season tickets are also available and start at $85. For any questions regarding ticket information, email athletictickets@kent.edu or call 330-672-4455.
