Kent State University
16-6,7-3MAC
Akron
18-4,9-1MAC
Golden Flashes Drop Friday Night Contest at Akron
1/30/2026 9:48:00 PM | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio– Kent State Men's Basketball (16-6, 7-3 MAC) dropped their first of two meetings with the University of Akron Zips on Friday night by a final score of 69-52. A pair of Flashes scored double-digits while Rayvon Griffith recorded a career night despite the loss.
Following an opening scrum on the floor for the jump ball, Akron scored the game's first points a full two minutes into play. 10 minutes into the first the Flashes began to find their rhythm keeping the Zips advantage between eight and 10 points. Kent State continued to slow the game's pace as Delrecco Gillespie and Morgan Safford earned some tough first half points in the paint. Recco led the Flashes in scoring as KSU trialed by nine at the break. Rayvon Girffith continued his strong play in the second half leading Kent State in rebounds by a wide margin. The Zips kept their cushion intact weathering the KSU storm before opening things up down the stretch. Kent State trailed by 20 with five minutes left to play. Late baskets were tallied by Safford, Jahari Williamson, Dezmon Briscoe, and Brenden Moss to close the deficit before the final horn.
The Box Score Story
Rayvon Griffith made his presence known on the boards for Kent State pulling in a career high 17. He more than doubled his previous season high of eight, and pulled in more rebounds against Akron than the entirety of his time at Cincinnati (15). Gillespie led the Flashes in scoring for the 11th time this season scoring 17 points. Just behind him was Safford scoring 10 for his 14th game tallying double-digits on the season.
Up Next
Kent State will be back in action on Tuesday, Feb. 3 on the road at the University of Toledo. Tip-off between the Golden Flashes and the Rockets is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
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