The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
0-6,0-0MAC
Xavier
4-2,0-0Big East
Akron Comeback Falls Short Against Xavier 64-57
November 24 | Women's Basketball
BOXSCORE (PDF) | PHOTO GALLERY | POSTGAME COMMENTS
AKRON, Ohio -Â The University of Akron women's basketball team held Xavier to just 16.7 percent from deep in a 3-for-18 shooting performance, but fell 64-57 to the Musketeers at James A. Rhodes Arena on Monday (Nov. 24).
The Zips had three players score in double figures, led by freshman Shaena Brew (Rialto, Calif.) with 14 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore Ni'Rah Clark (Toledo, Ohio) added 13 points and six rebounds, while sophomore Izzy Callaway (Copley, Ohio) scored 10 points off of the bench. Brew and senior Natalie Johnson (Waldorf, Md.) led the squad on the glass, each pulling down eight rebounds. Brew pulled down three offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Akron, grabbing 15 boards and turning them into four second-chance points.
Akron's defense held Xavier to only 16.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
How It Happened
After falling behind 17-7, Akron went on a 7-0 run with 3:42 left in the first quarter to narrow its deficit to 17-14. The Zips continued to close the gap, cutting the Xavier lead to 19-17 by the end of the first period.
Xavier kept adding to that lead, building a 29-17 advantage before Akron went on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a three from Callaway, to narrow its deficit to 29-23. Xavier responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Zips trailing 35-25 heading into halftime.
Akron and Xavier both put up 16 points in the third quarter, keeping the deficit even at 51-41 entering the fourth. Akron turned five offensive rebounds into four second chance points on the way to scoring 16 total points in the quarter.
Akron narrowed its deficit to 61-52 before going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Brew's three, to shrink the deficit to 61-57 with 1:14 to go in the contest. Xavier responded and outscored the Zips the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 64-57. Akron took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 10 of its 16 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Zips shared the ball well, recording an assist on 72 percent of made baskets.
» Akron played solid perimeter defense, holding Xavier to 17 percent from beyond the arc on 18 attempts.
» The Akron bench came alive by adding 18 points to its scoring output.
» The Akron defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 15 offensive boards in the game.
» Brew led the Zips with 14 points.
» Akron got eight rebounds from both Brew and Johnson.
UP NEXT
Akron hosts Youngstown State in a 12 p.m. game on Sunday (Nov. 30) at James A. Rhodes Arena.Â
