MRO STAFF REPORT
CLEVELAND, OH -- Enrique Freeman scored 23 points and Akron used a tenacious defense to defeat rival Kent State 75-55 Friday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. With its victory, the Zips earned their first Mid-American Conference men's basketball tourney title since 2013. That title also carries an automatic spot in the upcoming NCAA Championship Tourney. NCAA seedings and pairings will be announced Sunday night.
Kent State, which had won 14 straight games, started Friday's championship game without the services of its second leading scorer. Malique Jacobs was one of four Flashes players who were disciplined for a social media post which occurred Friday night.
After trailing 11-3 early, Akron fought back and moved in front for good following a Garvin Clark trey at 6:16 of the opening stanza. That gave UA a 23-20 edge. By halftime, the Zips led 34-25.
Jacobs was back in the lineup after intermission, and Kent State ran off eight straight points to pull within one (34-33). However, Clarke and Castaneda knocked down back-to-back treys to start an 11-2 Zips run.
After a pair of KSU baskets, the Zips reeled off 11 straight points for a 56-39 advantage with 7:53 remaining. They maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way.
Akron's success was built at both ends. Defensively, the Zips forced 19 turnovers that led to 20 points. Despite the pressure, UA sent Kent State to the line for just five free throw attempts on the evening. KSU made four.
Offensively, Akron connected on 52.1 percent overall and 52.6 percent from beyond the arc. With the Zips sinking 15 of 21 free throw opportunities, it was more than enough to give UA its first win in three meetings with Kent State this season.
Freeman's game-high 23-point effort was built on 8 of 10 from the field and 7 of 8 at the stripe. Ali Ali and Castaneda added 15 apiece for Akron, while Clark contributed 11 points.
KSU had just one player in double figures. Justyn Hamilton made 8 of 10 shots frm the field while scoring 19 points. He also had a team-high eight rebounds.