The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
8-3,0-0MAC
Gardner-Webb
5-9,0-0Big South
Ali And Freeman Lead Akron Over Gardner-Webb 94-90 in Overtime
December 21 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio --Ali Ali scored 29 points and Enrique Freeman added 20 and the Akron men's basketball team took down the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs 94-90 at home Thursday.
Ali and Freeman's stellar scoring performances led the Zips (8-3) in the contest. Freeman added 20 rebounds and three blocks. Nate Johnson also helped out with nine points and five assists.
Led by Freeman's five offensive rebounds, Akron did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 10 boards that resulted in five second-chance points.
How It Happened
After falling behind 5-2, Akron went on a 7-0 run with 17:20 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Ali, to take a 9-5 lead. The Zips then added six points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 48-38 advantage.
Gardner-Webb proceeded to take a 74-73 lead before Akron went on a 6-0 run, finished off by Freeman's layup, to seize a 79-74 lead with 3:40 to go in the contest. The Runnin' Bulldogs then fought back to even things up at 84-84 and send the game to overtime. Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 18 of its 36 points in the lane.
Akron grabbed an 87-86 lead with 2:43 left in the first overtime before going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Greg Tribble's three, to grow its advantage to 92-86 with 2:00 to go in the period. The Runnin' Bulldogs narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still held on for the 94-90 win.
Game Notes
- Enrique Freeman recorded his ninth double-double of the season.
- Freeman has recorded 20+points and 10+ rebounds in six contests.
- Akron had a 40-34 edge on the boards in the win.
- Ali was three off his career-high of 32 points.
- Akron has had two players score at least 20 points in a game twice. The last time was at Northern Kentucky.
- Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
- Enrique Freeman dominated the boards with a game-high 20 rebounds to lead Akron.
What's Next?
The Zips will enjoy a short break for the holiday's before returning to action on December 30 when they battle St. Bonaventure at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
