The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
13-5,6-0MAC
Buffalo
6-12,1-5MAC
Five Zips Score in Double Figures in 90-58 Win at Buffalo
January 21 | Men's Basketball
AMHERST, N.Y.  --The Akron men's basketball team shot over 57 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range on the way to a 90-58 win against the Buffalo Bulls on the road Tuesday.
The Zips increased their winning streak to six straight to begin MAC play. Akron has won six-straight to begin conference action in back-to-back seasons.
The Blue and Gold have also scored 85 or more points in the past five conference contests. Akron has scored 85 or more points in 10 games this season and is 10-0 on the year when doing so.
The Zips (13-5, 6-0) had five players score in double figures, led by Tavari Johnson, who had 20 points and five assists. Nate Johnson added 18 points and nine rebounds and James Okonkwo chipped in as well with 11 points and seven rebounds. Isaiah Gray and Marvin Musiime-Kamali both recorded 10 points against the Bulls. Musiime-Kamali set a career high in scoring.
Akron shared the ball well in Tuesday's game, racking up 21 assists on 35 made field goals. Tavari Johnson's five assists led the Zips and Shammah Scott also chipped in with four assists of his own.
The Akron defense held Buffalo shooters to only 30.4 percent from the field, including 25 percent from three-point range. The Bulls did not get many second opportunities on the offensive end, as they grabbed only eight offensive rebounds and scored five second chance points while Akron pulled down 42 defensive rebounds. Amani Lyles was a force on defense, recording a career high four blocks to lead the Zips.
How It Happened
After falling behind 2-0, Akron went on a 13-0 run with 18:49 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Nate Johnson, to take a 13-2 lead. The Zips then added four points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 40-25 advantage. Akron relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down eight shots to account for 24 of its 40 points.
Following intermission, Akron kept widening that lead, expanding it to 52-33 before going on a 9-0 run, finished off by Okonkwo's layup, to grow the lead to 61-33 with 11:43 to go in the contest. The Zips kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 90-58 win. Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 30 of its 50 points in the lane.
Game Notes
» The Zips made over half of their attempts from three point range, knocking down 13 of 25 shots.» The Zips held the Bulls to only 30.4 percent shooting from the field.
» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Akron tallied 21 total assists in the game.
» The Akron bench came alive by adding 31 points to its scoring output.
» Five Akron players scored 10 or more points.
» Akron had a 49-28 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Zips were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording seven blocks as a team.
» Tavari Johnson led the Zips with a game-high 20 points.
» Akron got a game-high nine rebounds from Nate Johnson.
What's Next?
The Zips will host the Miami RedHawks on Saturday. January 25 at 2 p.m. in a battle of undefeated MAC teams at James A. Rhodes Arena.
