The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
20-5,12-0MAC
Central Michigan
11-14,4-8MAC
Five Zips Score in Double Figures in Akron's 85-82 Victory at Central Michigan
February 15 | Men's Basketball
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich - Five Zips scored in double figures as Akron used a 52 point second half to defeat the Central Michigan Chippewas 85-82 on the road Saturday.
Akron increased its winning streak to 13 straight while winning its 12th straight conference game.
The Zips (20-5, 12-0) were led by Nate Johnson, who had 18 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Amani Lyles added 14 points and two blocks from the bench and Shammah Scott chipped in as well with 13 points from the bench. Isaiah Gray filled up the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Akron shared the ball well in Saturday's game, racking up 21 assists on 31 made field goals. Gray and Tavari Johnson each had six assists to pace the Zips.
Akron forced 16 Central Michigan turnovers.The Zips turned those takeaways into 19 points on the offensive end of the floor. Nate Johnson's three steals led the way for Akron.
How It Happened
After falling behind 9-4, Akron went on a 5-0 run with 15:21 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Nate Johnson, to tie the game at nine. Central Michigan then pulled ahead, sending the Zips into halftime down 36-33.
After intermission, Akron managed to gain control and had a 53-51 lead before going on a 5-0 run to grow the lead to 58-51 with 10:25 to go in the contest. The Chippewas narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still held on for the 85-82 win. Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 26 of its 52 points in the lane.
Game Notes
» Akron recorded 21 total assists in the game.» The Akron bench came alive by scoring 37 points to its scoring output.
» Five Akron players scored 10 or more points.
» Amani Lyles and Shammah Scott came off the bench to score 14 and 13 points, respectively.
» The Akron defense forced 16 turnovers.
» Nate Johnson led the Zips with 18 points.
» Akron got seven rebounds from both Nate Johnson and Isaiah Gray.
What's Next
Akron returns home to host Northern Illinois on Tuesday, February 18 for a 7 p.m. start.
