Akron secures 77-72 victory over Kent State to capture Mid-American Conference title
AKRON, Ohio (AP) – Tavari Johnson scored 16 points as Akron defeated Kent State 77-72 on Friday, securing the Mid-American Conference regular season championship with two games left.
Johnson made 7 of 13 shots from the field (2 of 5 from three-point range) for the Zips (23-6, 15-1). Nate Johnson contributed 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Shammah Scott shot 3 of 8 (0 of 4 from three-point range) and went 3 for 4 from the free-throw line to total nine points.
Jalen Sullinger led the Golden Flashes (19-10, 9-7) with 19 points. Marquis Barnett recorded 14 points and seven rebounds for Kent State, while Delrecco Gillespie added 10 points and eight rebounds.
Bowen Hardman tallied six points in the first half, and Akron entered halftime trailing 39-32. In the second half, Tavari Johnson scored 10 points as Akron outscored Kent State by 12 points to secure the win.
Both teams return to action Tuesday. Akron travels to Toledo, while Kent State faces Western Michigan on the road.