Mid-American Conference

Kent State: The Golden Flashes enter tonight’s first Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge game of the season winners of three of their last five games. Kent State most recently knocked off Miami, 76-72, at the M.A.C. Center on Tuesday night. In the win, the Golden Flashes knocked down 18-20 (.900) of their free throw attempts, while holding a 17-point (38-21) advantage in bench points. Kent State had two players score 20-plus points in the win over Miami. Jimmy Hall finished with team highs of 21 points on 10-16 (.625) shooting from the floor, nine rebounds, four assists and a game-high three blocks in 29 minutes of action. Jaylin Walker was not far behind Hall, tallying 20 points, including a 5-10 (.500) clip from deep, four rebounds and one steal in 30 minutes. Kent State and Akron have met 145 times, with the Golden Flashes holding a narrow one-game lead, 73-72 (.503).
 
Akron: The conference-leading Akron Zips host Kent State tonight at James A. Rhodes Arena. The Zips have been absolutely dominant at home, winning 30-straight games at home. UA’s 30-game home winning streak is currently the second longest active home winning streak in the country behind Oregon (40). Since Dec. 17, in a win over Marshall, the Zips have won 15 of their last 16 games, with their only loss being to Ohio on Feb. 4. Most recently, Akron took down MAC West foe Toledo, 71-65. As of Feb. 14, Akron ranks No. 5 in the NCAA for three-point field goals made per game (10.7), No. 7 total three-point field goals made (279), No. 7 total three-point field goals made (279), and No. 7 in three-point field goals attempted (729). Although the all-time series between Kent State and Akron is close, the Zips have have won 11 of the last 16 meetings, including winners of five of their last six at the JAR.