Akron Zips Defeat Kent State Golden Flashes 75-68
Friday, March 13, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Akron Zips 75, Kent State Golden Flashes 68, 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 75-68 at Rocket Arena on March 13, 2026.
Who was favored in Kent State Golden Flashes vs Akron Zips?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -298 (about 75% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Akron Zips triumphed over the Kent State Golden Flashes with a final score of 75-68 at Rocket Arena. This victory marks Akron's continued dominance over Kent State, extending their winning streak against them to four games. The Zips have demonstrated a strong performance throughout the season, with a home record of 28-5 and a recent form that includes a remarkable streak of eight consecutive wins. Over their last ten games, Akron has posted a record of 9-1, averaging 83.7 points scored per game while allowing 71.7 points.
Kent State, with a record of 24-9, has also shown impressive form, particularly in their last ten games where they have achieved an 8-2 record and are currently on a three-game winning streak. The Golden Flashes have averaged 81.5 points scored per game during this stretch, but they have allowed 77.0 points, indicating some defensive vulnerabilities. Their away record stands at 4-1, showcasing their ability to perform outside their home venue.
The matchup was significant not only for the rivalry but also for the implications it held for both teams' postseason aspirations. In their previous meetings this season, Akron defeated Kent State 92-70 on February 28, further establishing their recent supremacy in this rivalry. The Zips have consistently outperformed the Golden Flashes in their last four encounters, with Akron winning by margins of 17, 17, 5, and 14 points.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant absences that affected either team's performance during this game. However, both teams have been relatively healthy, allowing them to field their strongest lineups.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Akron favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 163.5. The odds reflected the Zips' strong home performance and their recent form, while Kent State's odds indicated a competitive but challenging road matchup.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting basketball atmosphere, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. Akron's scoring plays included key contributions from players like Amani Lyles, who made crucial free throws in the closing moments, and Evan Mahaffey, who electrified the crowd with an alley-oop dunk. Kent State's Quinn Woidke also made a significant impact with a long-range three-pointer, keeping the game within reach.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination from both sides, with Akron ultimately securing the win. The Zips' ability to execute under pressure and their strong finishing in the final minutes proved decisive. This victory not only solidifies Akron's position in the league but also sets the stage for their continued pursuit of success in the postseason.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -6.5 | 163.5 o -108 / u -112 | Kent State Golden Flashes +240 · Akron Zips -298 |
Leaders
- PointsTavari Johnson18Akron Zips
- AssistsTavari Johnson3Akron Zips
- ReboundsAmani Lyles9Akron Zips
- PointsRob Whaley Jr.15Kent State Golden Flashes
- AssistsCian Medley3Kent State Golden Flashes
- ReboundsDelrecco Gillespie14Kent State Golden Flashes
Recent form
Akron Zips
Last 10: 9-1Streak W883.7 scored · 71.7 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W73-70vs Buffalo BullsMar 12
- W94-55vs Northern Illinois HuskiesMar 6
- W77-64at Central Michigan ChippewasMar 4
- W92-70at Kent State Golden FlashesFeb 28
- 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
Kent State Golden Flashes
Last 10: 8-2Streak W381.5 scored · 77 allowed per game4-1 away
- W86-75vs Ohio BobcatsMar 12
- W86-78vs Western Michigan BroncosMar 7
- W102-76at Northern Illinois HuskiesMar 4
- L70-92vs Akron ZipsFeb 28
- 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
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 | 20-68 | 25-57 |
| Field goal % | 29 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 7-27 | 8-24 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 33 |
| Free throws | 21-25 | 17-27 |
| Free throw % | 84 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 46 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 21 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 28 |
| Assists | 5 | 11 |
| Steals | 6 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 20 |
| Fouls | 24 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 10 | 85 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-42Jahari Williamson makes 28-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half38-42Rob Whaley Jr. makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half38-44Shammah Scott makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-44Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-44Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-44Delrecco Gillespie makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half42-47Bowen Hardman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half44-47Delrecco Gillespie makes layup
- 2nd Half45-47Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half46-47Cian Medley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-50Shammah Scott makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half48-50Dezmon Briscoe makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half48-52Evan Mahaffey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-52Quinn Woidke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-52Quinn Woidke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-54Evan Mahaffey makes layup (Shammah Scott assists)
- 2nd Half50-55Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-55Rob Whaley Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-57Tavari Johnson makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half55-57Quinn Woidke makes 23-foot three point jumper (Morgan Safford assists)
- 2nd Half55-58Amani Lyles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-59Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-62Bowen Hardman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Amani Lyles assists)
- 2nd Half55-64Amani Lyles makes layup (Sharron Young assists)
- 2nd Half57-64Jahari Williamson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-64Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-64Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-65Evan Mahaffey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-65Jahari Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Jahari Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-68Shammah Scott makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half63-68Rob Whaley Jr. makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half63-70Evan Mahaffey makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Amani Lyles assists)
- 2nd Half63-71Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-71Quinn Woidke makes 28-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
- 2nd Half66-72Amani Lyles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-73Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-73Morgan Safford makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-74Shammah Scott makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-75Tavari Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Akron Zips, below favours Kent State Golden Flashes.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance10936
- OfficialsSteve McJunkins, Alfred Smith, Tim Stewart
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