The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
14-4,6-0MAC
Kent State
9-9,2-4MAC
Freeman and Ali Lead Akron Over Kent State, 77-71.
January 19 | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio - Enrique Freeman totaled 23 points, while Ali Ali added 23 as the Akron men's basketball team beat the Kent State Golden Flashes 77-71 on the road Friday to extend its winning streak to six.
The Zips (14-4, 6-0) had three players score in double figures, led by Freeman, who had 23 points, eight rebounds, three steals and five blocks. Ali added 23 points and Tavari Johnson helped out with 10 points off the bench.
Freeman pulled down three offensive rebounds to lead the Akron offense which grabbed 13 boards and turned them into 13 second chance points.
Akron did a great job disrupting Kent State shots in the contest, coming away with seven blocks. Freeman's five rejections led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 17-11 advantage, Akron went on a 12-0 run with 11:59 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Freeman, to increase its lead to 29-11. The Zips then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 36-22 advantage. Akron took advantage of seven offensive rebounds to score eight second chance points out of 36 total in the period
The Zips then held on for the victory in the second half. Akron got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 11 of its 41 total points.
Game Notes
» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.» Akron had a 42-32 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Zips were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording seven blocks as a team.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Enrique Freeman had a game-high 23 points and Ali Ali added 23.
» Akron got a game-high 9 rebounds from Shammah Scott.
What's Next?
Akron returns to the JAR to battle Ohio on January 23.
