Akron Zips Defeat Kent State Golden Flashes 92-70
Friday, February 27, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · M.A.C. Center
Akron Zips 92, Kent State Golden Flashes 70, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Akron Zips vs Kent State Golden Flashes?
Akron Zips beat Kent State Golden Flashes 92-70 at M.A.C. Center on February 27, 2026.
Who was favored in Akron Zips vs Kent State Golden Flashes?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the M.A.C. Center, the Akron Zips secured a commanding victory over the Kent State Golden Flashes, finishing the game with a score of 92-70. This result further extends Akron's dominance in their recent meetings, marking their fourth consecutive win against Kent State, having previously defeated them 69-52 just a month prior on January 30, 2026.
Both teams entered this game with impressive recent form, but Akron's performance has been particularly notable. The Zips have won nine of their last ten games, currently riding a four-game winning streak. In those last ten contests, they averaged 82.9 points scored per game while allowing 71.9 points. Their latest victory against the Buffalo Bulls on February 25, 2026, showcased their offensive strength, as they won 99-85. In contrast, Kent State has also been performing well, with a record of 7-3 over their last ten games and currently on a four-game winning streak themselves. The Golden Flashes averaged 77.2 points scored and allowed 75.7 points during this stretch, with their most recent win being a close 83-81 against Central Michigan on February 25, 2026.
When looking at home and away performances, Kent State has a home record of 3-1 in their last four games, while Akron has been flawless on the road, boasting a 4-0 record in their last four away games. This matchup was crucial, as both teams aimed to solidify their standings in the league, with Akron's overall record standing at 24-5 compared to Kent State's 21-8.
The injury situation did not play a significant role in this matchup, as both teams appeared to field their strongest lineups. However, the psychological edge for Akron could be attributed to their recent success against Kent State, having won all three of their previous meetings in the current and last season.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, indicated Akron as a 3.5-point favorite for this game, with a total set at 166.5. Akron's moneyline was listed at -180, while Kent State's was at +150, reflecting the expectation of a competitive contest. The odds suggest that the market favored Akron, which proved to be accurate as they dominated the game.
The conditions of the game were conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams known for their offensive capabilities. Akron's ability to score efficiently was on full display, as they consistently found ways to penetrate Kent State's defense. The Zips' scoring plays included a mix of free throws, layups, and jump shots, illustrating their versatility on offense.
As the game progressed, Akron maintained control, with significant contributions from key players. The Zips' scoring was highlighted by multiple plays in the second half, including a series of free throws and well-executed assists that showcased their teamwork. Kent State struggled to keep pace, and despite their efforts, they could not close the gap.
Overall, this matchup between Akron and Kent State was significant for both teams, with Akron's victory emphasizing their strength in the league and their continued success against a rival. The game not only showcased the talent on both sides but also set the stage for future encounters as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -3.5 | 166.5 o -105 / u -115 | Akron Zips -180 · Kent State Golden Flashes +150 |
Leaders
- PointsMorgan Safford15Kent State Golden Flashes
- AssistsCian Medley7Kent State Golden Flashes
- ReboundsDelrecco Gillespie8Kent State Golden Flashes
- PointsShammah Scott23Akron Zips
- AssistsTavari Johnson7Akron Zips
- ReboundsAmani Lyles8Akron Zips
Recent form
Kent State Golden Flashes
Last 10: 7-3Streak W477.2 scored · 75.7 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W83-81vs Central Michigan ChippewasFeb 25
- W78-71at Bowling Green FalconsFeb 18
- W75-68at Ball State CardinalsFeb 14
- W95-91vs Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 12
- L65-66at Southern Miss Golden EaglesFeb 7
- W75-72at Toledo RocketsFeb 4
- L52-69at Akron ZipsJan 30
- W72-57vs Ohio BobcatsJan 28
- W76-75at Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 24
- L101-107vs Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 21
Akron Zips
Last 10: 9-1Streak W482.9 scored · 71.9 allowed per game5-1 away
- W99-85vs Buffalo BullsFeb 25
- W78-65at Ball State CardinalsFeb 20
- W90-73at Western Michigan BroncosFeb 18
- W99-92vs Massachusetts MinutemenFeb 14
- L69-79at Troy TrojansFeb 7
- W66-64at Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 3
- W69-52vs Kent State Golden FlashesJan 30
- W91-81vs Toledo RocketsJan 28
- W86-65at Ohio BobcatsJan 24
- W82-63at Buffalo BullsJan 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Akron Zips | Kent State Golden Flashes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-58 | 26-60 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 14-28 | 13-32 |
| Three-point % | 50 | 41 |
| Free throws | 14-18 | 5-11 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 45 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 18 |
| Assists | 20 | 17 |
| Steals | 7 | 8 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 25 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 24 |
| Fouls | 14 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 27 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 87 | 5 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half51-37Amani Lyles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-37Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-37Tavari Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half55-37Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-37Sharron Young makes layup
- 2nd Half57-39Morgan Safford makes layup (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half59-39Eric Mahaffey makes 3-foot dunk (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half59-42Rayvon Griffith makes 27-foot three point jumper (Delrecco Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half59-45Rayvon Griffith makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half60-45Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-45Shammah Scott makes 24-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half66-45Eric Mahaffey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half66-48Morgan Safford makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half69-48Shammah Scott makes 24-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half69-50Rayvon Griffith makes layup (Quinn Woidke assists)
- 2nd Half71-50Shammah Scott makes layup
- 2nd Half71-53Jahari Williamson makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half73-53Sharron Young makes 8-foot jumper (Eric Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half73-55Delrecco Gillespie makes layup
- 2nd Half75-55Amani Lyles makes layup
- 2nd Half76-55Amani Lyles makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half76-57Dezmon Briscoe makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half79-57Tavari Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Amani Lyles assists)
- 2nd Half79-58Cian Medley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-59Cian Medley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-59Shammah Scott makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-59Shammah Scott makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-59Evan Mahaffey makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half83-61Quinn Woidke makes layup
- 2nd Half84-61Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-61Tavari Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-61Shammah Scott makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-61Shammah Scott makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half88-61Sharron Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-63Rob Whaley Jr. makes 10-foot hook shot (Quinn Woidke assists)
- 2nd Half90-63Evan Mahaffey makes layup (Sharron Young assists)
- 2nd Half90-65Rob Whaley Jr. makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half92-65Evan Mahaffey makes 4-foot dunk (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half92-68Quinn Woidke makes 22-foot three point jumper (Rob Whaley Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half92-70Omer Hamama makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Kent State Golden Flashes, below favours Akron Zips.
Venue
- M.A.C. CenterKent, OH
- Attendance6327
- OfficialsTodd Von Sossan, Tony Meeks, Michael Griffith
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- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
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