The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
10-5,3-0MAC
Eastern Michigan
7-8,1-2MAC
Seven Zips Finish in Double Figures; Coach Groce Records 150th Victory at Akron in 105-81 Win at EMU
January 11 | Men's Basketball
YPSILANTI, Mich. - Seven Zips scored in double digits while head coach John Groce recorded his 150th victory at Akron in a 105-81 victory over Eastern Michigan on the road Saturday.
Along with seven Zips scoring in double digits, all 11 Zips that appeared against the Eagles scored. Tavari Johnson also became the first Zip since Loren Cristian Jackson to record a double-double in points and assists. T. Johnson recorded 10 points and 10 assists against the Eagles. Jackson recorded the feat on Feb. 19, 2011Â when he scored 12 points and dished out 13 assists at Ball State.
Akron's 105 points marks just second time an opponent has surpassed 100 points in the 377 games at the George Gervin GameAbove Center (since 1998-99). Florida Atlantic scored 101 points, Dec. 4, 2022, making the 2023 Final Four.
The Zips (10-5, 3-0) were led by James Okonkwo, who had 17 points while going 9-of-11 from the free throw line. Isaiah Gray tacked on 13 points and three steals and Nate Johnson helped out with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Akron was effective at shooting the ball against Eastern Michigan, hitting over 60 percent of their shots (37-of-61).
The Zips also recorded a season-high 54 points in the paint and 47 points from the bench.
The Akron offense was very productive from deep, making nine threes on 21 attempts. Bowen Hardman was the most prolific shooter for the Zips, draining three treys in the contest.
The Akron defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's game, forcing 15 Eastern Michigan. Those takeaways turned into 27 points on the offensive end of the floor. Johnson's four steals led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
After falling behind 11-4, Akron went on a 10-0 run with 17:51 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Seth Wilson, to take a 14-11 lead. The Zips then added 13 points to that
lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 54-38 advantage. Akron got a great contribution from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 23 of its 54 total points.
Akron kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Marvin Musiime-Kamali's jumper, to grow the lead to 66-50 with 14:52 to go in the contest. The Zips kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 105-81 win. Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 28 of its 51 points in the lane.
Game Notes
» Tavari Johnson notched a double-double for the Zips with 10 points and 10 assists.» The Zips shot well from three point range, knocking down nine of 21 long range attempts.
» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Akron tallied 21 total assists in the game.
» Tavari Johnson collected 10 assists for Akron.
» The Akron bench made an impact by scoring 47 points to its scoring output.
» Seven Akron players scored 10 or more points.
» Bowen Hardman and Sharron Young came off the bench to score 11 points apiece.
» Akron shot 61 percent from the floor to economically reach their 105 point total.
» Akron had a 39-24 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Akron defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» James Okonkwo led the Zips with 17 points.
» Akron got a game-high seven rebounds from Marvin Musiime-Kamali.
What's Next?
Akron returns to James A. Rhodes Arena for a two-game home stand starting with the Toledo Rockets coming to town on January 14 for a 7 p.m. start.
