The Akron Zips are set to face off against their rivals, the Kent State Golden Flashes, on January 30 at 6 p.m. for the 168th meeting in their storied rivalry. The game will take place at the James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio, and will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network with commentary from Alex Del Barrio and Pete Gillen. Fans can also listen to the game on the Akron Sports Radio Network via WHLO 640 AM, featuring play-by-play from Dave Skoczen and analysis by Joe Dunn.
Entering this matchup, Akron boasts a strong record of 17-4 overall, including an impressive 8-1 in Mid-American Conference (MAC) play, while Kent State holds a record of 16-5 and 7-2 in conference. This competitive atmosphere will be heightened as both teams vie for positioning within the MAC.
Historically, Akron leads the rivalry with 85 wins to Kent State’s 82, winning five consecutive contests in recent years. Notably, the Zips secured victories against the Golden Flashes in both previous meetings this season, including an 85-71 win at the M.A.C. Center on January 31, and a 77-72 triumph in the last matchup on February 28, 2025.
The Zips’ recent triumph over Toledo—91-81—highlights their offensive prowess, as Akron scored 50 points in the second half after trailing at halftime. Tavari Johnson led the scoring charge with 25 points, and the team displayed a formidable balance with five players scoring in double figures.
Akron’s ability to dominate on their home court has been remarkable, with the Zips currently on a 27-game winning streak at the JAR, a statistic that contributes to their home advantage. Under head coach John Groce, the Zips have cultivated a strong home-court identity, holding a significant all-time record of 495-136 at the arena.
On the other hand, Kent State enters the game with momentum, having just defeated Ohio 72-57 at home, and will look to capitalize on their recent form. Morgan Safford, Delrecco Gillespie, and Magnus Entenmann each notched double-doubles in that game, showcasing Kent State’s offensive depth and defensive reliability.
Both teams are scoring at explosive rates, with Akron averaging 92.6 points per game while Kent State follows closely with 89.2. As the rivalry continues, fans can expect an exhilarating contest that not only impacts the conference standings but also adds another chapter to one of the MAC’s most competitive matchups.
Overall, with both teams looking to solidify their positions within the MAC and continue their respective winning streaks, this clash promises to be an exciting event for college basketball fans, highlighting the intensity of rivalry matchups in the sport.