Preview: Kent State at Akron in Pivotal MAC Showdown AKRON, Ohio (Interstat) — A high-stakes Mid-American Conference men’s basketball clash is set for Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, when the Kent State Golden Flashes visit the Akron Zips at James A. Rhodes Arena. Both teams enter with impressive records and momentum, setting the stage for a potential conference title decider. Kent State (16-5 overall) arrives after a commanding 72-57 home win over Ohio on Tuesday. Akron (15-4) is riding a six-game winning streak, most recently a 91-81 victory over Toledo. The matchup features two of the league’s premier guards in a compelling head-to-head battle. Kent State’s catalyst is Cian Medley, a dynamic playmaker who has recorded three double-doubles in points and assists since Jan. 6. He is coming off a 13-point, 8-assist performance against Ohio. Akron counters with Tavari Johnson, a prolific scorer in peak form. Johnson has topped 22 points in four of his last six games, including a 25-point, 7-assist effort in the win over Toledo. His offensive firepower will be central to the Zips’ attack. The Golden Flashes have shown resilience, winning close games against Eastern Michigan (76-75 in 2OT) and Toledo (87-84) this month, but also suffering an overtime loss to Miami (Ohio). Akron’s current streak includes dominant road wins at Ohio and Buffalo by an average margin of 20 points. This contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the rivals, with the rematch scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28, at Kent State. Friday’s winner will seize an early advantage in the MAC standings and the coveted head-to-head tiebreaker. Kent State seeks its first road win in the series since 2022. Akron aims to protect its home court and extend its streak in one of the conference’s most heated rivalries. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.