The unofficial online home for fans of the Kent State University Golden Flashes. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

The Golden Flashes head to James Allen Rhodes Arena for the first of two (or more) against the Akron Zips. The game will be available for viewing via television on ESPNU. Tickets can be obtained on line. Tip is scheduled for 9:00PM. Lets hope Fairfield and Quinnipiac keep things moving in Hamden Connecticut.

Kent State and Akron are tied atop the Mid American Conference standings with identical 8-1 conference marks. The Zips have won seven straight games and are doing it with defense. MAC opponents are averaging just 63 points per game against Akron. Leading the way is 6'7 junior Enrique Freeman. The Cleveland product is first in the league in rebounds and fourth in blocked shots. It will be interesting to see how coach Groce uses him on Friday night. Another Zip to watch is Xavier Castaneda. The 6'1 South Florida transfer is currently the MAC's leading scorer averaging just over 20 points per contest.

I have a tendency to undervalue Akron each season and try to convince myself that Buffalo, Toledo, Ohio or Ball State is Kent's biggest threat. But it always turns out to be a waste of time. Kent State and Akron are the two and this one should be fun. There is no doubt that the Golden Flashes can match Akron's tenacity on defense.

The JAR will be loud, the fans will have plenty to say. Wonderful. As it should be. Will the Flashes keep their composure, pack their defense and let their play do the talking? I will say......https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv1kApvEPiY

Kent State 70
Akron 68
"So here it is. Akron 68, Kent 67 with 12 seconds play. Thomas will pass it in to Carry who operates at the top of key. 8 seconds now, Carry flips to Jacobs who gives it right back to Carry....Sincere with a stutter step now launches a three.....AND IT GOES! Carry drained it with 1.7 seconds to play. Timeout Akron and the JAR is STUNNED."

GO FLASHES!