AKRON, Ohio- The Kent State men's basketball team (3-2, 0-1 MAC) was unable to overcome a second-half surge from Akron (4-1, 2-0 MAC), dropping its Mid-American Conference opener, 66-62, to the Zips Friday evening inside James A. Rhodes Arena.
Kent State was led by Michael Nuga who scored 19 points, grabbed eight rebounds and, dished out an assist. Danny Pippen added 16 points and a game-high nine rebounds, while Tervell Beck scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds.
The Flashes had a strong start and led 10-2 out of the gate as Akron missed its first five shots.