Kent State University
13-14,6-8MAC
University of Akron
20-7,12-2MAC
Flashes Drop Rival Matchup
2/23/2024 9:43:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Kent, OH - The Kent State men's basketball team (13-14, 6-8 MAC) returned to action on the road Friday evening (Feb.23) falling to the the Akron Zips 70-83 inside James A. Rhode Arena. This is the first time since the 2020-21 season that the Zips swept the Flashes in the regular season.
The Flashes shot 47.4 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from the three, and 70 percent from the charity stripe. The Zips outshot the Flashes from the field shooting 50 percent, but the Flashes held them from the three as the Zips shot 38.1 percent. Akron was able to take advantage inside the paint recording 40 points and 21 points from turnovers on the Flashes.
Offensive leader, Jalen Sullinger, led the Flashes with 20 points while Chris Payton Jr. added a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards. Giovanni Santiago also recorded double digits with 12 points and four assists and VonCameron Davis added 13 points. Akron senior Enrique Freeman posted 24 points and 12 rebounds. His teammate, Greg Tribble, had 15 points while Ali Ali and Mikal Dawson put up 14 points each.
The Zips led the way, never letting the Golden Flashes take the lead. Sammny Hunter came out with an instant layup but Kent State's Cli'ron Hornbeak matched that with a dunk assisted by VonCameron Davis. The Zips would soon go a 7-0 run with 10:23 left in the first half to increase the lead to 19-9. The Flashes were able to close the gap starting with a three from Giovanni Santiago with less than seven minutes to go in the first half. Jallen Sullinger and Tyem Freeman followed hitting their own triples making it a one-point game with only 2:30 left. Despite a one-point game, the Zips were able to hold on to the lead leaving half with a 32-27 advantage.
Though, the Flashes outshot the Zips 59.3 percent to 54.8 percent from the field the Zips were able to take advantage of the Flashes' turnovers. The Zips would soon go on an 8-0 run to grow the lead 58-48 with 9:23 left to go in the contest. The Flashes struggled defensively allowing the Zips to get easy shots and not getting the stops they needed to take the lead.
Head Coach Rob Senderoff expressed "We have a lot of work ahead of us. These last four games are huge. We want to be able to defend our title in Cleveland."
Follow the Flashes
The Flashes will be back in the M.A.C. Center for their final two home games of the regular season. The Flashes will first host the Buffalo Bulls on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. ET. The Flashes will then host Central Michigan for their Senior Day following the women's game at 1 p.m. against Buffalo. 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.
