Akron Zips Dominate Kent State Golden Flashes 69-52
Friday, January 30, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · James A. Rhodes Arena
Akron Zips 69, Kent State Golden Flashes 52, 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 Kent State Golden Flashes vs Akron Zips?
Akron Zips beat Kent State Golden Flashes 69-52 at James A. Rhodes Arena on January 30, 2026.
Who was favored in Kent State Golden Flashes vs Akron Zips?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -625 (about 86% implied). The favorite won.
In a commanding performance, the Akron Zips secured a 69-52 victory over the Kent State Golden Flashes at the James A. Rhodes Arena. This matchup was particularly significant as it showcased two teams with strong records, with Akron boasting an 18-4 overall record and Kent State at 16-6. The Zips have been in exceptional form, winning their last seven games, while the Golden Flashes entered the contest on a two-game winning streak.
Akron's recent performance has been impressive, particularly at home where they hold a perfect record of 6-0 this season. Over their last ten games, they have achieved a record of 9-1, averaging 89.0 points scored while allowing 72.3 points. The Zips' last five games have seen them maintain an average of 90.0 points scored and 75.0 points allowed, indicating a potent offense combined with a relatively solid defense.
In contrast, Kent State has also shown resilience with a 7-3 record in their last ten games and a recent average of 81.0 points scored against 81.7 points allowed. Their last five games reflect a record of 4-1, with an average of 84.6 points scored and 80.8 points allowed. However, their away record stands at 3-2, which may have contributed to their struggles in this game.
The two teams have met previously this season, with Akron winning both encounters. In their last meeting on March 1, 2025, Akron triumphed 77-72 at home, and earlier on February 1, 2025, they won 85-71 away. This history of success against Kent State likely added to Akron's confidence heading into this matchup.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details affecting either team, suggesting both squads may have been at full strength for this encounter. The betting market reflected Akron's strong position, with DraftKings setting the spread at -10.5 for the Zips, indicating a strong belief in their ability to win by a significant margin. The total points line was set at 166.5, with odds of -115.0 for the over and -105.0 for the under, suggesting expectations of a high-scoring game.
The conditions at James A. Rhodes Arena were conducive to a solid performance, and Akron capitalized on their home-court advantage. The Zips' scoring was highlighted by key plays in the second half, including a 26-foot three-point jumper by Evan Mahaffey that pushed Akron's lead to 69-50, and a series of layups and dunks that showcased their offensive prowess.
As the game progressed, Akron maintained control, with their defense limiting Kent State's scoring opportunities. The Golden Flashes struggled to keep pace, ultimately finishing with 52 points. The Zips' ability to execute their game plan effectively was evident, leading to a final score of 69-52.
In summary, the Akron Zips demonstrated their dominance in this matchup, building on their impressive home record and recent form to secure a decisive victory over the Kent State Golden Flashes.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -10.5 | 166.5 o -115 / u -105 | Kent State Golden Flashes +455 · Akron Zips -625 |
Leaders
- PointsTavari Johnson16Akron Zips
- AssistsTavari Johnson4Akron Zips
- ReboundsTavari Johnson9Akron Zips
- PointsDelrecco Gillespie17Kent State Golden Flashes
- AssistsCian Medley3Kent State Golden Flashes
- ReboundsRayvon Griffith17Kent State Golden Flashes
Recent form
Akron Zips
Last 10: 9-1Streak W789 scored · 72.3 allowed per game6-0 at home
- W91-81vs Toledo RocketsJan 28
- W86-65at Ohio BobcatsJan 24
- W82-63at Buffalo BullsJan 20
- W104-89vs Western Michigan BroncosJan 17
- W87-77vs Ball State CardinalsJan 14
- W77-67at Bowling Green FalconsJan 10
- W82-69vs Central Michigan ChippewasJan 7
- L73-76at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 3
- W115-64vs Concord Mountain LionsDec 30
- W93-72vs Eastern Michigan EaglesDec 20
Kent State Golden Flashes
Last 10: 7-3Streak W281 scored · 81.7 allowed per game3-2 away
- W72-57vs Ohio BobcatsJan 28
- W76-75at Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 24
- L101-107vs Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 21
- W87-84vs Toledo RocketsJan 16
- W87-81at Buffalo BullsJan 13
- L85-87at Central Michigan ChippewasJan 10
- W96-93vs Bowling Green FalconsJan 7
- W77-73vs Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 3
- L60-101at Purdue BoilermakersDec 30
- W69-59at Massachusetts MinutemenDec 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 | Kent State Golden Flashes | Akron Zips |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 19-67 | 25-60 |
| Field goal % | 28 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 1-23 | 11-34 |
| Three-point % | 4 | 32 |
| Free throws | 13-21 | 8-12 |
| Free throw % | 62 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 52 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 24 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 29 |
| Assists | 6 | 17 |
| Steals | 9 | 2 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 20 |
| Fouls | 15 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 23 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 94 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half22-28Cian Medley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half22-31Bowen Hardman makes 27-foot three point jumper (Shammah Scott assists)
- 1st Half23-31Cian Medley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half23-33Evan Mahaffey makes 0-foot dunk (Chabi Barre assists)
- 1st Half25-33Rayvon Griffith makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot
- 1st Half26-33Magnus Entenmann makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half27-33Magnus Entenmann makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half27-36Bowen Hardman makes 27-foot three point jumper (Eric Mahaffey assists)
- 1st Half27-37Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half27-38Tavari Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half29-38Rayvon Griffith makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half31-38Delrecco Gillespie makes layup (Dezmon Briscoe assists)
- 2nd Half33-38Morgan Safford makes driving layup (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half33-40Tavari Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half33-41Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half33-43Shammah Scott makes driving layup
- 2nd Half33-44Shammah Scott makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half33-47Bowen Hardman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Zach Halligan assists)
- 2nd Half33-50Bowen Hardman makes 27-foot three point jumper (Sharron Young assists)
- 2nd Half35-50Delrecco Gillespie makes layup
- 2nd Half36-50Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-52Chabi Barre makes 1-foot dunk (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half36-53Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-53Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-53Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-54Chabi Barre makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-56Evan Mahaffey makes 4-foot pullup jump shot (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half40-56Jahari Williamson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-56Morgan Safford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-59Eric Mahaffey makes 25-foot three point jumper (Amani Lyles assists)
- 2nd Half41-61Shammah Scott makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half41-64Tavari Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Amani Lyles assists)
- 2nd Half43-64Morgan Safford makes 20-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half45-64Dezmon Briscoe makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half45-66Evan Mahaffey makes 8-foot pullup jump shot (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half47-66Omer Hamama makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-66Delrecco Gillespie makes 1-foot dunk (Morgan Safford assists)
- 2nd Half50-66Jahari Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-69Evan Mahaffey makes 26-foot three point jumper (Shammah Scott assists)
- 2nd Half52-69Brenden Moss makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Akron Zips, below favours Kent State Golden Flashes.
Venue
- James A. Rhodes ArenaAkron, OH
- Attendance4847
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