Kent State University
Akron
Golden Flashes Host The School Down The Road Friday Night at 8 P.M.
2/26/2026 3:15:00 PM | Men's Basketball
KENT – Kent State Men's Basketball (21-7, 12-3 MAC) has won four straight games and are fresh off their 12th Mid-American Conference victory over Central Michigan University earlier this week (Feb. 24). The Golden Flashes have turned their attention to this Friday's second regular season matchup with the University of Akron Zips. With the MAC Tournament in Cleveland on the horizon, Kent State and Akron sit three and two in the conference standings with four games left to play.
Last Time Out
Most recently Kent State came back to defeat Central Michigan at home notching their 21st win of the season. Central Michigan came out firing in the opening half, shooting 55.2% from the field and connecting on seven three-pointers to build their advantage. The Chippewas jumped out to a 20-7 lead. The Blue and Gold trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half before closing the gap slightly. Jahari Williamson knocked down a pair of late first half threes to trim the deficit, and Delrecco Gillespie added a dunk and free throw in the final minute to make it 42-32 at the break. Kent State flipped the script in the second half. Quinn Woidke ignited the comeback with a trio of three-pointers as the Flashes began chipping away at the lead. Cian Medley orchestrated the offense with six assists and clutch buckets, while Morgan Safford heated up with 12 second-half points. The Flashes tied the game at 80-80 on a pair of Medley free throws with 1:14 remaining. After Phat Phat Brooks gave Central Michigan an 81-80 lead at the free-throw line with 18 seconds left, Kent State set up for the final possession. Whaley Jr. took a jumper from just outside the paint that dropped through as the clock hit .1 to play. The Chippewas inbounded their final possession on a long pass but were unsuccessful allowing the Flashes to take the 83-81 win.
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 82-86. 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. Kent State holds a slight edge at 13.
Broadcast Info
Fans can tune into the game on Fox Sports 1350 with Dane Richardson on the call. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU with Eric Rothman & Mark Adams on the call.
Next Up for Kent State
Kent State will be back in action on Tuesday, March 3 at Northern Illinois University. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. eastern time.
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