The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
6-3,0-0MAC
Northern Kentucky
5-5,2-0Horizon
Freeman And Hunter Lead Akron Past Northern Kentucky, 77-76
December 09 | Men's Basketball
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY --Enrique Freeman collected 21 points, which was capped off by a last-second dunk off a pass by Ali Ali, while Sammy Hunter added 20 as the Akron men's basketball team beat the Northern Kentucky Norse 77-76 on the road Saturday.
The Zips (6-3) had four players score in double figures, led by Freeman, who secured a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Hunter tacked on 20 points and Nate Johnson helped out with 13 points. This was the first time Akron had two players score at least 20 points since Freeman and Xavier Castaneda recorded the feat against Kent State in the MAC Tournament last season.
The Akron offense made hay from three-point land, knocking down eight threes. Hunter hit five treys for the Zips, which was one shy of tying his career high.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 30-27 advantage, Akron went on a 6-0 run with 5:55 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Greg Tribble, to increase its lead to 36-27. The Zips then lost some of that lead but still entered halftime with a 41-37 advantage. Akron did most of its first-half damage in the paint, scoring 26 of its 41 points close to the basket.
The Zips then held on for the victory in the second half. Akron got out on the break in the period, scoring nine fast break points.
Game Notes
- Freeman notched his seventh double-double of the season with a 21 points and 10 rebounds performance.
- Freeman has recorded 20+ points and 10+ rebounds five times so far this season.
- Akron lit it up from beyond the arc, knocking down eight treys in the game.
- Hunter was one 3pter shy of his career high of six. He recorded six 3-pointers against Ball State on Feb. 28, 2023.
- Hunter has drilled a 3-pter in every game this season.
- Nat Johnson went 6-of-10 from the field for 13 points. Johnson's career high for field goals made is eight.
- Four of Tribble's seven points came in the final 2:40 of the contest.
- Akron tallied 18 total assists in the game.
- Ali and Kaleb Thornton both had five assists each.
- Enrique Freeman led the Zips with 21 points and Sammy Hunter added 20.
- Akron got a game-high 10 rebounds from Enrique Freeman.
What's Next?
Akron returns to the JAR on December 17 as it battles Miami-Hamilton
