In a M.A.C. Center filled with fans in gold shirts anticipating the first rivalry game between the Kent State men’s basketball team and the Akron Zips, KSU fans left after a disappointing 85-71 loss to the defending Mid-American Conference champions.

“I am disappointed for our fans and for our team,” coach Rob Senderoff said. “It was a great atmosphere, as always, for the Kent-Akron game.”

The Zips jumped on the Flashes quickly, grabbing an 18-point lead just 10 minutes into the game and by halftime, Akron outrebounded Kent State by 11.

“In the first half, we didn’t have it and they played great,” Senderoff said. “We dug ourselves a hole we couldn’t dig ourselves out of against an unbelievable team.”

Senior guard Jalen Sullinger led all scorers with 23 points. He is now averaging 12.7 points a night for the Flashes.

“Jalen played pretty well tonight, and there’s still games in front of us for him to improve,” Senderoff said. 

Kent State was able to outscore Akron 40-37 in the second half and also outrebounded the Zips 18-17 in the final 20 minutes.

However, Akron was able to withhold a 10-0 KSU run in the second half and never let the Flashes get within single digits. UA moved to a perfect 9-0 against the MAC and 16-5 overall, a game and a half in first place over the Miami RedHawks.

“We competed in the second half and played better than the first half but couldn’t make a dent in the game,” Senderoff said. “Tip your hat to them for how good a program and team they have. They have great players and have an unbelievable coach who does a great job.”

The Flashes fell into a fifth-place tie with Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan at 4-5 in MAC play. KSU is 13-8 overall.

“I expected us to be better than 4-5 right now in the league, but this is where we are.” Senderoff said. “We have to take where we are and improve on it. I have tremendous confidence in all these guys, and I know that we care and will play for each other.”

Kent State and Akron will face off one more time in the regular season March 1 in the Zips’ territory. 

“We have to position ourselves to be playing in March and focus on some little details in games,” Senderoff said. “In the first half, there were a number of breakdowns that I thought really hurt us, and that’s why they had such a big lead. They did what good teams do — made shots and made you pay for all of your mistakes.”

Moving forward

The Flashes will be back on the road for their next matchup against the 10-10 Eastern Michigan Eagles.

The game will break their tie in the standings, with both teams being 4-5 against the MAC.

Kent State has won six of the last seven against the Eagles, but its last matchup was a 71-69 loss in EMU’s house.

KSU will play 10 more times this regular season, nine of those being MAC games. It will look to gain some momentum in the month of February.
“We’re not going to splinter, and we’re going to keep fighting,” Senderoff said. “The hope and the expectation will be that we will improve and position ourselves to be playing best in March.”

Andrew Gold is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].