This week, Kent State had all the makings of a potential Cinderella story.
The Golden Flashes played giant killer on Thursday and Friday in the MAC men’s tournament in Cleveland, taking out highly touted Toledo and Bowling Green teams to reach the final. Against Akron Saturday, they took a 61-60 lead in the closing seconds.
Then, everything unraveled.
As Zips guard Greg Tribble wove up the court, Kent State guard Julius Rollins—seemingly forgetting his team led by one—fouled him with five seconds to play.
ESPN cameras captured Golden Flashes coach Rob Senderoff almost on the verge of tears as Tribble stepped to the line for a one-and-one.
mental mistake for Kent State fouling after taking the lead, that's a tough one pic.twitter.com/XylUjzFJSb
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) March 17, 2024
Tribble stepped to the line and nailed both free throws, and after Kent State guard Jalen Sullinger missed a late shot, Akron advanced to the NCAA tournament.
To add insult to injury, the Golden Flashes and Zips—longtime rivals—are separated by about 10 miles. It seems safe to say Kent State fans will be hearing it from Akron fans for the foreseeable future.
