Akron Zips Defeat Kent State in Blowout Victory

Men's basketball players discuss their 92-70 win over the Golden Flashes.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 5:21am

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The Akron Zips men's basketball team secured a decisive 92-70 victory over their in-state rivals, the Kent State Golden Flashes, on February 27, 2026. Following the game, several Akron players, including Tavari Johnson, Shammas Scott, Amani Lyles, and Evan Mahaffey, reflected on their team's dominant performance.

Why it matters

This win is an important conference victory for the Akron Zips, who are looking to secure a strong position in the Mid-American Conference standings. The rivalry between Akron and Kent State is a long-standing one, making this a significant result for both teams and their fan bases.

The details

The Zips led by as many as 22 points in the game, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. Akron's balanced scoring attack and stifling defense proved too much for Kent State to overcome.

  • The game was played on February 27, 2026.

The players

Tavari Johnson

A key player for the Akron Zips men's basketball team.

Shammas Scott

An Akron Zips player who contributed to the team's victory.

Amani Lyles

An Akron Zips player who reflected on the team's performance.

Evan Mahaffey

An Akron Zips player who shared his thoughts on the game.

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What they’re saying

“We came out with a lot of energy and really set the tone early. Our defense was the key to this win.”

— Tavari Johnson

“It's always a big game when we play Kent State. We knew we had to bring our A-game, and I'm proud of how we executed our game plan.”

— Shammas Scott

The takeaway

The Akron Zips have demonstrated their ability to dominate their in-state rivals, the Kent State Golden Flashes, in this decisive victory. The team's balanced scoring, stifling defense, and strong team chemistry have positioned them well for the remainder of the conference season.