The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
11-4,3-0MAC
Ball State
8-7,0-3MAC
Five Zips Score in Double Digits in Akron's 80-76 Win At Ball State
January 09 | Men's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. --Five Zips put up double-digit points and Akron knocked off the Ball State Cardinals 80-76 on the road Tuesday.
The Zips (11-4, 3-0) had five players score in double figures, led by Ali Ali, who had 17 points. Enrique Freeman added a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds and Greg Tribble helped out with 14 points.
The Akron offense made hay from three-point land, making 10 threes on 28 attempts. Mikal Dawson hit four treys for the Zips in the contest.
The Akron defense was a problem in Tuesday's game, forcing 13 Ball State turnovers while committing five. Those takeaways turned into 16 points on the other end of the floor. Sammy Hunter led the way individually for the Zips with two steals.
How It Happened
After falling behind 22-19, Akron went on a 7-0 run with 9:18 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Dawson, to take a 26-22 lead. The Zips then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 35-33.
Ball State kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 72-68 advantage before Akron went on a 6-0 run, finished off by Tribble's three, to seize a 74-72 lead with 2:02 to go in the contest. The Zips kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 80-76 win. Akron got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 13 of its 47 total points.
Game Notes
» Enrique Freeman notched a double-double for the Zips with 14 points and 13 rebounds.» Akron lit it up from three point land, knocking down 10 treys in the game.
» Five Akron players scored 10 or more points.
» The Akron defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Ali Ali led the Zips with 17 points.
» Akron got a team-high 13 rebounds from Enrique Freeman.
What's Next?
The Zips return to Akron to face Buffalo on January 12.
