The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
12-4,4-0MAC
Buffalo
2-14,1-3MAC
Five Zips Post Double-Figure Scoring Night In 76-59 Win Over Buffalo
January 12 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio -- Five Zips scored in double-figures as Enrique Freeman led the way with 21 points to defeat the Buffalo Bulls 76-59 at the James A. Rhodes Arena on Friday.
Freeman secured his 14th double-double of the season with 21 points and 15 rebounds and his ninth 20+ point, 10+ rebound performance.
The Zips (12-4, 4-0) had five players score in double figures, led by Freeman's 21 points. Greg Tribble tacked on 18 points, four assists, and two steals and Sammy Hunter chipped in as well with 11 points.
Akron took advantage of fantastic ball movement in Friday's game, piling up 16 assists on 31 made field goals. Tribble's four assists led the distribution list for the Zips and Ali Ali also added three assists of his own.
Akron's defense held Buffalo to only 36.7 percent shooting from the field, including 20 percent from beyond the arc.
How It Happened
After falling behind 6-2, Akron went on an 8-0 run with 18:19 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Nate Johnson, to take a 10-6 lead. The Zips then maintained that lead and entered halftime with a 34-30 advantage. Akron did most of its first-half damage in the paint, scoring 20 of its 34 points close to the basket.
Following intermission, Akron kept widening that lead, expanding it to 65-54 before going on a 9-0 run, finished off by Ali's layup, to grow the lead to 74-54 with 1:45 to go in the contest. The Bulls narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still cruised the rest of the way for the 76-59 win. Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 26 of its 42 points in the lane.
Game Notes
» Enrique Freeman notched an impressive double-double for the Zips with 21 points and 15 rebounds.
» The Zips held the Bulls to only 36.7 percent shooting from the field.
» Freeman tied a 40-year-old record held by Joe Jakubick. Both Freeman and Jakubick scored 10+ points in 30 consecutive games. Freeman will have a chance at breaking that recorded on Tuesday against Western Michigan.
» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Akron tallied 16 total assists in the game.
» Akron had a great day defensively, holding Buffalo to 20 percent from beyond the arc on 30 attempts.
» Five Akron players scored 10 or more points.
» The Zips forced 17 Buffalo turnovers while committing only six on the other end.
» The Akron defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Akron turned the ball over six times while dishing out 16 assists.
» Enrique Freeman led the Zips with 21 points.
» Akron got a game-high 15 rebounds from Enrique Freeman.
What's Next?
The Zips return to the JAR on Tuesday, January 16 to host Western Michigan.
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