Akron Aims to Extend Winning Streak in Rivalry Clash Against Kent State

KENT, Ohio — The Akron Zips men’s basketball team looks to extend its eight-game winning streak Friday night as they face off against Kent State in a highly anticipated Mid-American Conference (MAC) rivalry game. The matchup, set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET at the M.A.C. Center, will be televised on CBS Sports Network.

Akron (15-5, 8-0 MAC) enters the game as the conference leader, having not lost since Dec. 30, when they fell 76-75 at Princeton. The Zips are coming off a dominant 102-75 victory over Miami (Ohio) last Saturday, where they shot 44% from beyond the arc. Kent State (13-7, 4-4 MAC), meanwhile, is looking to avenge last season’s heartbreaking 62-61 loss to Akron in the MAC Tournament championship game.

“There is no extra motivation for this game at all,” said Kent State head coach Rob Senderoff. “Akron has a great team, and we are just trying to get better and play well at home against a good opponent.”

Kent State’s defense has been a standout this season, allowing just 64.2 points per game, the best mark in the MAC and 20th nationally. The Golden Flashes also lead the conference in defensive efficiency, holding opponents to 29% shooting from three-point range. However, they face a tough challenge against Akron’s high-powered offense, which averages 84 points per game and shoots 38% from deep.

Senior Cli’ron Hornbeak leads Kent State with 6.4 rebounds per game, while Akron’s James Okonkwo ranks second in the MAC with 7.6 rebounds per contest. The battle in the paint could prove decisive in determining the outcome of the game.

Akron boasts a balanced scoring attack, with six players averaging at least 8.1 points per game. Guards Nate Johnson (13.4 PPG) and Tavari Johnson (12.6 PPG) anchor the Zips’ backcourt, while Kent State relies on VonCameron Davis (15.9 PPG) and Jalen Sullinger (12.2 PPG) for offensive production.

Kent State is a 1.5-point favorite on BetMGM, with the over/under set at 144.5 points. The Golden Flashes are 9-5 against the spread as favorites this season, while Akron has lost all five games in which they were underdogs.

The rivalry, known as the “Wagon Wheel” series, extends beyond basketball, with both schools competing for a symbolic wagon wheel trophy. Friday’s game marks the first meeting between the two teams this season, with Akron looking to continue its recent dominance and Kent State aiming to turn the tide.