The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
23-6,15-1MAC
Kent State
19-10,9-7MAC
Zips Claim Regular Season Title After 77-72 victory Against Kent State
February 28 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio - The Akron men's basketball team claimed its first Mid-American Conference Regular Season title since 2020 after taking down Rival Kent State 77-72 at James A. Rhodes Arena on Friday.
With the win, the Zips have defeated Kent State in the past five meetings.
The Zips (23-6, 15-1) had two players score in double figures, led by Tavari Johnson, who had 16 points. Nate Johnson tacked on a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds and Shammah Scott added nine points, six rebounds and three steals.
Led by James Okonkwo's four offensive rebounds, Akron did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 17 boards that resulted in 14 second chance points.
Akron forced 13 Kent State turnovers that turned into 21 points on the other end of the floor. Scott's three steals led the way for Akron.
How It Happened
After falling behind 2-0, Akron went on a 7-0 run with 18:05 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Tavari Johnson, to take a 7-2 lead. The Zips then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 39-32.
Kent State kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 42-32 advantage before Akron went on a 6-0 run, finished off by Seth Wilson's three, to shrink the deficit to 42-38 with 18:15 to go in the contest. The Zips kept the rally going and took the lead for good on Nate Johnson's free throw with 02:27 left for a 77-72 comeback victory. Akron got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 14 of its 45 total points.
Game Notes
» Nate Johnson notched a double-double for the Zips with 14 points and 10 rebounds.» Akron rallied from a seven-point 39-32 halftime deficit to pick up the win.
» The Akron bench made an impact by scoring 28 points to its scoring output.
» The Akron defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.
» Tavari Johnson led the Zips with 16 points.
» Akron got a game-high 10 rebounds from Nate Johnson.
What's Next?
The Zips travel to Toledo to battle the Rockets on Tuesday, March 5 for a 7 p.m. start
