Akron and Kent St are bitter rivals but the Golden Flashes have stumbled to a disappointing 13-13 record this season. Akron won at Kent St 77-71 back on Jan. 19, although the final score is misleading. The Zips controlled most of the game, leading 57-44 with just under 10 minutes to play before Kent surged late to make things interesting. Akron was also without starting guard Greg Tribble for that game. Tribble averages 10.7 points and is a good defensive player. The Zips are coming off a loss to Toledo but look for them to get back on track vs. an overmatched Kent St squad. I like Akron to win by double digits at home where the Zips are 11-0 on the season.

I think we’re going to see some real urgency from Akron as they look to snap a funk that’s been going for the last week and a half. The Zips have lost two of their last three, and I like the situational spot of taking the better team, at home, coming off of a disappointing road loss. There’s every bit of motivation to put the hammer down on Kent State as Akron tries to get primed for the MAC tournament, and the Flashes are playing their second road game of the week after a loss at Ohio on Tuesday night.