Sophomore guard Randal Holt started things off in a big way – sinking a 3-pointer in the

first 30 seconds of the game.

Junior guard Michael Porrini repeated the playing style with one of his own two minutes

later, putting the Flashes up 7-2.

And junior forward Justin Mann used his height to his advantage, blocking two Akron

shots and scoring back-to-back baskets even when Akron’s defensive coverage clogged

things up in the paint.

Two Akron 3-pointers shorten the Kent State lead to 14-9 with 11:21 left in the first half.

Flawless free throws by Holt and senior guard Rod Sherman helped combat the Akron

baskets that put Kent State up only 18-15 with 8:30 left in the first half.

Akron tied up the game at 24-24 with 3:44 left in the first half, and the two battled

between tying or having Kent State lead by one basket.

A 3-pointer by Akron’s Steve McNees with 30 seconds left put the Zips up 33-31 at the

half.

Contact sports reporter Rachel Jones at [email protected].