When the University of Akron men’s basketball team hosts Kent State University on Friday night, the Zips will seek a regular-season sweep in the Wagon Wheel rivalry series.
Meanwhile, Kent State will attempt to avenge its 77-71 home loss to UA on Jan. 19 and strengthen its candidacy for a Mid-American Conference Tournament berth.
Akron (19-7, 11-2 in the MAC) is tied with Toledo atop the conference standings. Kent State (13-13, 6-7) is tied for sixth with Miami and Western Michigan.
The top eight teams in the MAC earn conference tournament berths. The winner of the MAC tourney receives the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
UA and KSU will have four regular-season games remaining after their clash Friday at Rhodes Arena. Both teams are coming off a defeat Tuesday, with Akron falling 72-64 at Toledo and Kent State losing 63-57 at Ohio.
Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Check back here for updates throughout the game.
Below is some pregame information.
What is the series history between Akron and Kent State men’s basketball?
Kent State leads the all-time series 82-81, but Akron has won 20 of the last 35 meetings.
The last time a team earned a season sweep in the series was when Akron did it in 2020-21.
UA is 45-25 at home against KSU.
More Akron Zips men’s basketball: ‘This is really cool’: UA has made a 3-pointer in 762 straight games
How can I watch, stream or listen to Akron Zips vs. Kent State Golden Flashes basketball?
The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network. It’ll broadcast via the radio on WKNR (850-AM) and WHLO (640-AM).
How Akron entered rematch vs. KSU: Zips men’s basketball drops into first-place tie in MAC with loss at Toledo
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Zips men’s basketball vs. Kent State in Wagon Wheel rivalry game
