Kent State University
Akron
Kent State Travels to Akron for Nationally Televised Friday Night Showdown
1/29/2026 4:26:00 PM | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio – Kent State Men's Basketball (16-5, 7-2 MAC) will be seeking their third straight win on Friday night when they travel to take on the University of Akron Zips. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in UA's James A. Rhodes Arena. It will be Kent State's second nationally televised game of the 2025-2026 season and their 168th meeting all-time with the Akron Zips.
Last Time Out
The Golden Flashes most recently defeated Ohio at home in a decisive 15-point victory. After a start that saw both teams toss up early bricks, the Flashes got out to a slight lead thanks to Gillespie, Safford and a bench three from Entenmann. Turnovers were the theme in the first half with Ohio taking advantage to tie the game at 18 in with eight to play in the first. Kent State retook a lead with Quinn Woidke and Cian Medley drawing key fouls. Dezmon Briscoe pulled in a pair of important boards in the closing minutes of the first half. The first 20 minutes closed with KSU leading 28-24. The Flashes were off to a fast start in the second half increasing their lead to 36-28 forcing an Ohio timeout. With 7:11 to play Ohio tied the game back up at 48 all. With 5:26 to play Medley drew an and one that turned into a four-point swing for the Flashes after an added technical foul on Ohio head Coach Jeff Boals. Entenmann and Gillespie allowed for the Flashes to take control on the glass down the stretch as they opened the lead up to 11 points with 2:13 left to play. Safford grew his total to be the leading scorer on free throws as the game came to a close.
The School Down the Road
Few games on Kent State's schedule carry the weight, intensity and emotion of the annual meetings with Akron. Separated by just 12 miles, the longtime rivals renew one of the Mid-American Conference's most heated series when the Golden Flashes and Zips tip-off. The Golden Flashes' overall record against the Zips is 82-85. According to records, Kent State's first meeting with the school down the road was during the first varsity season 110 years ago during the 1915-1916 season with Akron winning 37-16. KSU's first win in the series was during the 1926-1927 season by a final score of 23-21. The two programs have met in the MAC tournament 11 times and have combined for 25 total MAC championships. KSU holds a slight edge at 13.
Broadcast Info
Fans can tune into the game on the Kent State Sports iHeart Radio channel with Dane Richardson on the call. Coverage begins 30 minutes before tip-off. The game will also be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Next Up for Kent State
Following Friday night, Kent State will be back on the road at the University of Toledo. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7:00 p.m.
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