The Zips also clinched the No. 1 seed in the upcoming MAC tournament as they look to return to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four years.
Akron, Ohio: Tavari Johnson scored 16 points during Akron’s victory against Kent State with a final score of 77-72, securing at least a share of the Mid-American Conference regular-season title. This win came with just two games left to play.
Johnson’s performance included shooting 7 of 13 from the field, making 2 out of 5 three-point attempts for the Zips, who now hold a record of 23-6 overall and 15-1 in the conference. Nate Johnson contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Shammah Scott finished with nine points, shooting 3 for 8 overall and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line (0 for 4 from beyond the arc).
On the losing side, the Kent State Golden Flashes (19-10, 9-7) were led by Jalen Sullinger, who scored 19 points. Marquis Barnett followed with 14 points and seven rebounds, and Delrecco Gillespie ended the game with 10 points and eight rebounds.
Bowen Hardman scored six points in the first half and Akron went into the break trailing 39-32. Tavari Johnson led Akron with 10 points in the second half as their team outscored Kent State by 12 points over the final half.
The Zips also clinched the No. 1 seed in the upcoming MAC tournament as the look to return to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four years. It’s the program’s first regular-season conference crown since 2020 and fifth straight victory over the Golden Flashes dating back to last season, marking their longest winning streak in the rivalry since 2013.
These two teams both play Tuesday night. Akron visits Toledo and Kent State visits Western Michigan.
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
