AKRON, OH (WOIO) -
It was a big game but the Zips fell behind early and never recovered. They lost at home Friday night, 68-to-64 to Kent State.
Players and fans still trying to absorb the news that one of their star players was arrested and suspended from the team indefinitely.
It was a packed house at Rhodes Arena for Akron's final game of the regular season.
Fans were pumped up for big rivalry against Kent State, but the Zips didn't have much to cheer about off the court.
Their starting point guard, Alex Abreu, just got out of jail charged with trafficking and possession of marijuana.
"It was actually shock. I was almost wishing it was somebody just making it up so that they could take out a good player," said one Akron fan.
"I was very shocked. Hurt and asking myself why would he have to do that," said another fan.
It's a stunning development for Akron, a team that reeled off 19 straight wins and had high hopes for the MAC tournament which starts next week and, perhaps, the NCAA tournament which starts in less than two weeks.
"They'll be fine. I have faith in the Zips," said a student.
"I think they'll be alright. They might be hurting a little bit at guard," said an Akron student.
"It's going to be tough. They got good leadership but he was kind of the engine that made it run," stated another student.
"It's bad. I hope somebody steps up. But you can't lose Alex. I mean he's the heart and soul of the team, no doubt about it," added a season-ticket holder.
Copyright 2013 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Akron bench during Akron VS. Kent basketball game
