KENT, Ohio -- — Enrique Freeman's 23 points helped Akron defeat Kent State 77-71 on Friday night.

Freeman also had eight rebounds, three steals, and five blocks for the Zips (14-4, 6-0 Mid-American Conference). Ali Ali scored 23 points while going 5 of 11 from the floor, including 3 for 5 from 3-point range, and 10 for 11 from the line. Tavari Johnson had 10 points and finished 5 of 7 from the field. It was the sixth straight win for the Zips.

Giovanni Santiago led the way for the Golden Flashes (9-9, 2-4) with 16 points and two steals. Tyem Freeman added 14 points for Kent State. Reggie Bass also had 11 points.

Enrique Freeman led Akron with 12 points in the second half as his team was outscored by eight points over the final half but held on for the victory.

Both teams next play Tuesday. Akron hosts Ohio and Kent State squares off against Bowling Green on the road.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.