Virgin Islander Deon J. Edwin (with ball) was the lead distributor at four assists, while contributing 12 points and seven rebounds but the Kent State University men's basketball team had their six-game winning streak snapped on Friday March 3, 2017, falling to the Akron Zips at home, 66-56. Photo: Getty Images/File

Deon J. Edwin (with ball) playing in a local league in the Virgin Islands back in 2016. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Deon J. Edwin played for Bayside Blazers in the 2016 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League before departing for Kent State University. Photo: Provided

Prior to the game, Kent State athletics and the men's basketball programme honoured three seniors in their final regular season home game in Jon Fleming, Deon J. Edwin and Jimmy Hall. Hall went on to lead the Flashes with 16 points on 50 percent shooting. He also had a team-best 11 rebounds to secure his 19th double-double of the season. He will enter the postseason tied for third all-time at Kent State in scoring.

Edwin was the lead distributor at four assists, while contributing 12 points and seven rebounds.

"It was a three point game with five minutes to go, and we had our chances," said head coach Rob Senderoff. "To their credit, they made big plays. Last time we played them, we made big plays. That's just how it falls. We didn't shoot the ball very well, but you can't fault the effort. We competed as hard as you can compete."

The result puts Kent State in the sixth seed in the 2017 MAC Tournament. The Golden Flashes will host 11th seed Central Michigan Monday March 6, 2017 at 7:00PM.

The winner of Monday's game against Central Michigan will move on to face Buffalo at Quicken Loans Arena Thursday in the night cap of the quarterfinal round.