Kent State University
University of Akron
Flashes Head to Akron for Rival Matchup
2/22/2024 5:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, OH - The Flashes will head down the road for an anticipated rival matchup against Akron University on Friday, Feb. 23. Tip-off time is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. The Flashes are coming off a 57-63 loss against Ohio earlier this week. Fans are encouraged to support their Flashes by wearing gold.
Friday's game will be live on CBS Sports Network John Sadak and Tre Demps on the call. This is the Flashes' fifth nationally televised game this season. The game can also be heard on 850 ESPN Cleveland with Rob Polinksy.Â
Last Time OutÂ
Earlier this week, the Flashes fell to the Ohio Bobcats, 63-57 on the road. The Flashes are 3-2 in their last five games.Â
The Flashes are now 6-7 in the MAC, putting them in a tie for fifth with Miami and Western Michigan. The Flashes are 4-6 on the road going into Friday night's game. The Flashes average 76.1 points per game with a +4.5 scoring margin placing them third in the MAC for each category. Kent State is 58th in the country in bench points per game (25.19), 35th in free throw percentage (.760),67th in free throws made per game (15.6), 89th in 3-point percentage (.357), 96th in 3-pointers made per game (8.3), and 59th in turnover margin (+1.2). Jalen Sullinger leads the Flashes with 15.7 points per game in MAC Play. Sullinger has recorded double-digit points in 11 of the Flashes' 13 MAC games, including a 30-point game against Bowling Green. Davis has recorded double-digits in all of the Flashes' conference games, including three 20+ point games and a double-double in the win over Bowling Green.Â
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Key Players for The ZipsÂ
The Zips lead the MAC with an 11-2 record in MAC play and 19-7 overall. has a 13-12 overall record. In the most recent Mid Major Poll, the Zips were voted 17th. Akron lost their second MAC game on the road, 64-72, against Toledo earlier this week. At, the Zips are undefeated at home and have a 14 home-game win streak.Â
The Zips are led by Enrique Freeman who collected his 23rd double-double of the season with 14 points and 15 rebounds against Toledo. Inside the Jar, the Zips average 80.3 points per game with a +19.9 scoring margin. Freeman leads the Zips in scoring (18.1), rebounding (13.0), and blocks (39). Kaleb Thornton leads the way in assists with 2.6 while two zips are tied with 0.9 steals per game.
Series Matchup
This will be the second meeting among the teams this season. Akron defeated the Flashes on the road 77-71. Four players for Kent recorded double digits including Giovanni Santiago who led with 16. The Flashes only lead the all-time series by one game, 83-82 but the Zips have dominated at home leading 45-25.
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Follow the Flashes
The Flashes will return to the M.A.C. Center to finish their final two home games of the regular season. The Flashes will host Buffalo on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. and Central Michigan on Saturday, Mar. 2. The Flashes' game against Central Michigan will be a doubleheader starting with the women's team at 1 p.m. and will be senior day for both teams. Single-game tickets for the MAC 2023-24 season are on sale now. For any questions regarding ticket information, email athletictickets@kent.edu or call 330-672-4455.
