Freeman Leads Zips to 88-86 Win Over Marshall

Wednesday, December 1

Akron, Ohio

7 PM

University of Akron

4-3,0-0MAC

Marshall

-43,00 CUSA

Marshall

Akron

December 01 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Freeman Leads Zips to 88-86 Win Over Marshall
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Box Score PDF | Box Score

AKRON, Ohio – With the outcome hanging in the balance, sophomore forward Enrique Freeman (Cleveland, Ohio) willed the Akron Zips to a thrilling 88-86 win over the Marshall Thundering Herd on Wednesday night at James A. Rhodes Arena.

Freeman scored his team's final five points – all in the final 24 seconds – and delivered the game-winning points on a pair of free throws with four seconds remaining after snaring his 14th rebound to secure a double-double while being fouled.

Freeman also scored a career- and team-high 24 points and junior guard Bryan Trimble, Jr. (Kansas City, Mo.) added 23 points and made seven 3-pointers while leading all scorers with 17 points at intermission. Sophomore forward Ali Ali (Kendallville, Ind.) notched 16 points and sophomore Greg Tribble (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded a career-high 12 points with four assists in the win.

It was Freeman who tied the game at 86-all with 24 seconds remaining on a clutch putback dunk that turned into an and-1 when he was fouled, then sank the ensuing free throw. Moments later, he sealed the win with his defensive rebound and ensuing free throw makes.

The clutch finish closed out a game where Akron built an early edge, leading by nine at halftime., 49-40. In an even matchup from start to finish, the two sides made the same number of 3-pointers (five) in the opening half, had nearly the same number of points from the foul line before intermission (8-7 in favor of the Zips) and laid the foundation for the exciting finish.

With nine ties and 18 lead changes, the outcome remained in doubt as Marshall rallied in the second half before the host Zips (4-3) claimed the victory.

Each side shot 50 percent or better in regulation, with Akron holding a 44-36 edge on points in the paint and a 39-34 rebounding advantage.

Junior guard Taevion Kinsey led all scorers with 30 points to pace the Thundering Herd (4-3) and redshirt sophomore guard Andrew Taylor contributed 26.

The Zips return to action when they host the Southern Jaguars on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Fans can watch the action on ESPN+ or listen to Akron Sports Radio Network on WHLO 640 AM. Live stats are also available on GoZips.com.