Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) looks to pass against UMass, Feb. 13, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
Andrew Dolph / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Akron vs Kent State Prediction 2/27/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Akron Zips Kent State Golden Flashes
Team Records 23-5 21-7
Spread -3.5 -112 +3.5 -108
Moneyline -185 +154
Total Over 164.5 (-112) Under 164.5 (-108)
Where M.A.C. Center, Kent, OH
When Friday, February 27, 2026
Time 08:00 PM EST
TV ESPNU

In this article we will formulate an Akron vs Kent State prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, February 27th at the M.A.C. Center in Kent, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Akron Zips Betting Preview

The Akron Zips are 23-5 (14-1) this season after they defeated Buffalo by a score of 99-85 in their last game. Akron led 39-35 at halftime and they scored 60 points in the second half in the high scoring win. The Zips shot 55% from the field, 43% on three pointers, and 90% on free throws in the game. Tavari Johnson led Akron with 23 points and five assists, while Evan Mahaffey added 20 points and nine rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Akron defeated Ball State by a score of 78-65 and Western Michigan by a score of 90-73. The Zips have scored 89.8 points per game with 38.0 rebounds and 19.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.9 points against per game this season. Tavari Johnson is averaging 20.6 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Amani Lyles is averaging 15.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game for the Zips. Akron is shooting 50.4% from the field, 77.9% on free throws, and 37.3% on three pointers this season. 

Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Preview

The Kent State Golden Flashes are 21-7 (12-3) this year after they defeated Central Michigan by a score of 83-81 in their last game. Kent State trailed 42-32 at halftime, but they scored 51 points in the second half for the comeback win. The Golden Flashes shot 48% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Delrecco Gillespie led Kent State with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Jahari Williamson added 16 points and three assists in the win. 

Prior to that game, Kent State defeated Bowling Green by a score of 78-71 and Ball State by a score of 75-68. The Golden Flashes have scored 85.6 points per game with 40.2 rebounds and 16.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 79.7 points against per game this season. Delrecco Gillespie is averaging 18.7 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, while Morgan Safford is averaging 14.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Golden Flashes. Kent State is shooting 45.6% from the field, 74.3% on free throws, and 35.3% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Kent State Golden Flashes will win

  • Kent State has won each of its last 10 night games at Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Akron Zips will win

  • Akron has won each of its last 18 night games against the Mid-American Conference.
  • Kent State has lost the first half in four of its last five games at Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center.

Total Points Facts

  • Each of Akron’s last seven road games against the Mid-American Conference have produced a total of 163 or fewer points.
  • Each of the last seven night games between Akron and Kent State have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.

Akron vs Kent State Prediction 

Akron comes into this matchup with a 14-1 record in conference play, but they are still chasing Miami (OH) in the standings. The Zips are shooting 50% from the field and they have scored at least 90 points in three of their last four games. Kent State is 12-3 in MAC play and they have also won four in a row. The Golden Flashes are shooting 46% from the field and they have scored 78+ points in three of their last four. This should be a great game to watch, but I have to side with Kent State and the points at home, as I think either team could win this one.

David Racey's Pick: Kent State +3.5

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