Akron Zips peel back another layer of toughness vs Kent State. Opinion

KENT — Akron forward Amani Lyles used his 6-foot-9, 240-pound frame to form an immovable fortress as Kent State forward Delrecco Gillespie attempted to back him down in the paint.

Lyles’ resistance caused Gillespie to travel as he lowered his left shoulder while trying to create separation for a shot.

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The Kent State turnover occurred with 14:02 left in the second half and provided a perfect snapshot of how Akron’s defense neutralized KSU’s duo of formidable big men.

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Akron vs. Kent State men’s basketball, Wagon Wheel rivalry photos

Akron Zips wing Zach Halligan (21), forward Amani Lyles (0) and forward Rich Brisco (2) celebrate after beating Kent State in an NCAA college basketball game at the M.A.C. Center, Feb. 27, 2026, in Kent, Ohio.

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Akron vs. Kent State men’s basketball, Wagon Wheel rivalry photos

Akron Zips wing Zach Halligan (21), forward Amani Lyles (0) and forward Rich Brisco (2) celebrate after beating Kent State in an NCAA college basketball game at the M.A.C. Center, Feb. 27, 2026, in Kent, Ohio.

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Akron vs. Kent State men’s basketball, Wagon Wheel rivalry photos

Akron Zips wing Evan Mahaffey (12) dunks over Kent State Golden Flashes guard Quinn Woidke (6) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the M.A.C. Center, Feb. 27, 2026, in Kent, Ohio.

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Akron vs. Kent State men’s basketball, Wagon Wheel rivalry photos

Kent State Golden Flashes guard Cian Medley (1) gets tripped up as he controls the ball against Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the M.A.C. Center, Feb. 27, 2026, in Kent, Ohio.

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Akron vs. Kent State men’s basketball, Wagon Wheel rivalry photos

Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) drives past Kent State Golden Flashes guard Morgan Safford (8) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the M.A.C. Center, Feb. 27, 2026, in Kent, Ohio.

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Akron vs. Kent State men’s basketball, Wagon Wheel rivalry photos

Akron Zips guard Sharron…

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Publish date : 2026-02-28 11:05:00

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