The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
3-2,0-0MAC
Nebraska Omaha
2-5,0-0Summit League
Five Zips Score in Double Digits in 92-84 Victory Over Nebraska Omaha
November 23 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio - Five Zips scored in double digits in a 92-84 victory over Nebraska Omaha at James A. Rhodes Arena on Saturday.Â
The Zips (3-2) had five players score in double figures, led by Nate Johnson, who had 18 points and five assists. Isaiah Gray added 16 points and four assists and Amani Lyles chipped in as well with 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Bowen Hardman and Tavari Johnson both cashed in 12 points each in the win.
Akron was efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 18 3-pointers and converted 46.2 percent of their 3's.
Led by James Okonkwo's four offensive rebounds, Akron did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in nine second chance points.
The Akron defense caused its share of mistakes in Saturday's game, forcing 13 Omaha turnovers while committing eight. Those takeaways turned into 17 points on the offensive end of the floor. Seven Zips caused one steal each.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 14-10 advantage, Akron went on an 8-0 run with 14:08 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Lyles, to increase its lead to 22-10. The Zips then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 40-36 advantage. Akron relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down eight shots to account for 24 of its 40 points.
Akron kept its lead intact before going on a 5-0 run to grow the lead to 92-84 with 25 seconds to go in the contest, The Zips held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 92-84 win. Akron shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting 10 shots from deep to score 30 of its 52 points.
Game Notes
» The Zips shot well from three point range, knocking down 18 of 39 long range attempts.» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» The Zips put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 74 percent of made field goals.
» Five Akron players scored 10 or more points.
» The Akron defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Akron turned the ball over eight times while dishing out 26 assists.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Nate Johnson led the Zips with 18 points.
» Akron got a team-high six rebounds from Amani Lyles.
What's Next?
The Zips conclude the Akron Basketball Classic with a battle against the Alabama State Hornets on Sunday, November 24 at 3 p.m.
