by Kent, OH; In another edition of the most underrated mid-major rivalry in College Basketball, the Akron Zips absolutely dominated the Kent State Golden Flashes on Friday night, 92-70. It now marks the seventh consecutive win for Akron in the rivalry, who takes an all-time 87-82 series lead. “I thought it was one of our more complete games we played all season,” head coach John Groce said following the win.
With five players scoring in double digits, there was no wonder why the Zips had so much success offensively. Shammah Scott led the night with 23 points shooting 7-9, including 5-of-5 from long range. Tavari Johnson did his usual thing with 22 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. While Sharron Young finished with 19 points, just one shy of tying his career-high. “We just stayed together, and did not let them phase us,” Johnson said about the victory.
Akron outshot Kent State on the night, 55% to 43%, including going 14-of-28 from three-point. As well as finishing +16 in scoring points off turnovers, it was quite the night capitalizing. They even got down on the offensive glass with a 10-9 advantage.
But do not forget about the outstanding defense as well. Thanks to the efforts of the Mahaffey brothers and Amani Lyles, they were able to hold MAC Player of the Year candidate in check. Finishing with just seven points on 3-for-15 shooting, it was just the second game all season Delrecco Gillespie was held under double digits. With the physicality that was brought, they were also to own the defensive rebounds, 28-18 which was a huge point of emphasis coming in.
The Golden Flashes actually started off with an 8-5 lead in the opening five minutes, but that was all the fun that would be had for the home fans. It did not take long for the Zips to respond with a 20-5 scoring run, completely taking control in the game. Thanks to a very hot start beyond the arc from Johnson, Scott, and Young, the confidence on the road grew exponentially.
With a 12-point lead already at the helm just eight minutes in, Akron was able to maintain that margin throughout the rest of the first half. In fact, they walked into halftime holding a 47-37 lead.
It ended up being much of the same in the second half as well with the Zips keeping up their standout defense. Allowing Kent to shoot just 42% the final 20 minutes was all but their downfall, as it was just too much to keep up with even on their home court.
Never trailing again since being down three early on, it ended up being quite the route in enemy territory. Outscoring the home team 45-33 in the second half, it was straight domination from Akron who walks away with the 92-70 victory.
The Akron Zips next head to Central Michigan on Tuesday night for their final road matchup of the MAC regular season.
