AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Tavari Johnson’s 16 points helped Akron defeat Kent State 69-52 on Friday. Johnson also added nine rebounds for the Zips (18-4, 9-1 Mid-American Conference). Bowen Hardman shot 5 for 9 from beyond the arc to add 15 points. It was the eighth straight win for the Zips.

The Kent State Golden Flashes visit the Akron Zips Friday for a 6 p.m. ET tip from James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.

Kent State replaces Alabama on USF's upcoming season

Morgan Safford, Delrecco Gillespie and Magnus Entenmann each recorded double-doubles as the Golden Flashes dominated the boards 51-31 at home.

Minus 6-foot-7 big man Rob Whaley, Jr., Kent State pulled away late and beat Ohio 72-57 on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Morgan Safford, Delrecco Gillespie and Magnus Entenmann recorded double-doubles for the Flashes, who improved to 16-5 overall and 7-2 in the Mid-American Conference.

Kent State (16-5, 7-2 MAC) will be seeking their third straight win on Friday night when they travel to take on the

Led by Morgan Safford's 18 points, the Kent State Golden Flashes defeated the Ohio Bobcats 72-57 on Tuesday. The Golden Flashes are now 16-5 on the season,