The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
9-19,3-12MAC
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Western Michigan
11-15,7-8MAC
Akron Falls 77-66 to Western Michigan
February 26 | Women's Basketball
BOXSCORE (PDF)
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The University of Akron women's basketball team got a 19-point and nine-rebound showing from redshirt senior Shelbee Brown (Memphis, Tenn.), but fell 77-66 to Western Michigan on the road on Wednesday (Feb. 26).
The Zips had four players score in double figures, led by Brown, who had 19 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Senior Alexus Mobley (Indianapolis, Ind.) added 14 points, six rebounds and five assists off the bench, while freshman Ni'Rah Clark (Toledo, Ohio) chipped in as well with 11 points and six rebounds. Junior Maddie Vejsicky (New Concord, Ohio) rounded out Akron's double-figure scorers with 10 points.
Akron out-rebounded Western Michigan 35-22, paced by Brown's nine boards. The Zips also pulled down 14 offensive rebounds and scored 19 second-chance points.
How It Happened
Akron fell behind 17-12 at the end of the first quarter.
Western Michigan built a 20-12 advantage before Akron went on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Brown, to narrow its deficit to 20-17. Western Michigan responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Zips trailing 37-26 heading into halftime.
Western Michigan continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 45-30 advantage before Akron went on an 11-0 run, punctuated by a three from Vejsicky, to trim its deficit to 45-41 with 2:25 to go in the third. The Zips continued to battle and entered the fourth quarter trailing 50-46. Akron played well near the basket, scoring 14 of its 20 points in the paint.
Akron went on 6-0 run early in the fourth quarter, finished off by Clark's layup, to seize a 60-58 lead with 5:17 to go in the contest. Western Michigan re-asserted control, outscoring the Zips 19-6 the rest of the way to hand Akron the 77-66 loss. The Zips took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 20 of its 20 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Akron bench made an impact by adding 24 points to its scoring output.
» The Zips shot a season-best 50 percent from the field on the evening.
» Akron lost despite a 35-22 rebounding advantage.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
» Brown led the Zips with 19 points.
» Akron got a game-high nine rebounds from Brown.
» Junior Liisa Taponen (Tampere, Finland) added eight points off the bench for the Zips.
Up Next
Akron hosts rival Kent State in a 12 p.m. showdown on Saturday (March 1) at James A. Rhodes Arena.
