Four Zips Score in Double Figures as Ali Ali Lead Zips Past Evansville, 69-60

Wednesday, November 24

Estero, Fla.

11 am

University of Akron

3-3,0-0MAC

Evansville

2-6,0-0MVC

Akron

Evansville

Four Zips Score in Double Figures as Ali Ali Lead Zips Past Evansville, 69-60

November 24 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Four Zips Score in Double Figures as Ali Ali Lead Zips Past Evansville, 69-60
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Estero, Fla. – Akron sophomore Ali Ali (Kendallville, Ind.) scored 20 points to lead the Zips to a 69-60 win over Evansville on the final day of the Gulf Coast Showcase at Hertz Arena on Wednesday.

Ali shot 6-of-8 from the floor and buried all four of his 3-point field goal attempts before the first half expired. Xavier Castaneda followed in scoring with 11 points, while Enrique Freeman and Greg Tribble added 10 points apiece. Freeman notched his fourth double-double of the season with 10 rebounds and averaged a double-double for the tournament, scoring 11.3 points and grabbing 10.3 rebounds per game.

Bryan Trimble, Jr. got things going for Akron, knocking down his first three shot attempts, all from downtown. The Zips opened the game with an 11-8 advantage by the 15:07 mark and despite not scoring still held the lead at the midway point of the first half, 11-10.

The hot hand continued for Akron as Ali nailed four straight shots, including three from long range. With 7:15 left to play in the first half, the Zips were 6-of-7 (.857) from Deep and 8-of-11 (.727) from the floor en route to a 28-20 advantage. Akron closed the half on a 5-0 run as Castaneda buried a corner 3-ball and Freeman added paint points. The Zips led 33-20 at the break. Akron shot 57.1 percent from the floor (12-of-21), including a sizzling 72.7 percent, 8-of-11 from downtown. Rebounds were tied 17-all.

Evansville outscored the Zips 12-2 to open the half, cutting the Zips lead to 37-32 with 13:14 showing on the clock. Akron scored on back-to-back possessions and eventually pushed the lead back to 10 points, 49-39, as Dawson hit a three at the top of the key with 8:15 left to play in the game. The Zips maintained the double-digit lead until the 3-minute mark, but held on for the win.

Evansville was led by Jawaun Newton's double-double performance of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Antoine Smith, Jr. and Shamar Givance added 16 and 12 points in the loss, respectively.

Akron finished the game shooting 48.8 percent from the floor (21-of-43) and 66.7 percent from long distance (10-of-15) while edging the Aces on the glass 32-31.

Akron is scheduled to host Marshall on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at James A. Rhodes Arena. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. Fans can follow the action on ESPN3/+or listen to Akron Sports Radio Network on WHLO 640 AM with Dave Skoczen calling the action and Joe Dunn providing analysis. Live stats are also available on GoZips.com.