The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
18-5,10-0MAC
South Alabama
16-9,8-4Sun Belt
Nate and Tavari Johnson Record Career Highs in Win Over South Alabama
February 08 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio - Nate Johnson recorded a career best 10 assists while Tavari Johnson drilled a career high six 3-pointers in an 80-67 victory over South Alabama at James A. Rhodes Arena Saturday afternoon.
Akron has now won 11 straight games and has tailed 12 straight home victories on the season.
T.Johnson totaled 20 points to lead the Zips in scoring and added four assists and three steals in the Zips (18-5) victory. N. Johnson helped out with seven points, six rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and two blocks and Isaiah Gray chipped in with eight points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Akron took advantage of excellent ball movement in Saturday's game, piling up 24 assists on 28 made field goals. Nate Johnson's 10 assists led the distribution list for the Zips.
The Zips were prolific from beyond the arc, hitting a season-high 19Â 3's against the Jaguars. The previous high of 18 came against Nebraska-Omaha (Nov. 23) and Central Michigan (Jan. 7).
The Akron defense was a problem in Saturday's game, forcing 13 South Alabama turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 18 points on the other end of the floor. Nate Johnson's three steals led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
After falling behind 21-19, Akron went on a 7-0 run with 9:42 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Gray, to take a 26-21 lead. The Zips then added one point to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 36-30 advantage. Akron relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down eight shots to account for 24 of its 36 points.
Akron kept its lead intact before going on a 9-0 run, finished off by Tavari Johnson's three, to grow the lead to 50-37 with 15:59 to go in the contest. The Zips kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 80-65 win. Akron shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting 11 shots from deep to score 33 of its 44 points.
Game Notes
» The Zips shot well from three point range, knocking down 19 of 45 long range attempts.» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» The Zips shared the ball well, recording an assist on 86 percent of made field goals.
» Nate Johnson racked up 10 assists for Akron.
» Akron had a 36-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Akron defense forced 13 turnovers.
» The Zips were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording five blocks as a team.
» Akron turned the ball over 12 times while dishing out 24 assists.
» Tavari Johnson led the Zips with 20 points.
» Akron got a team-high 10 rebounds from James Okonkwo.
What's Next?
The Zips return to Mid-American Conference action when they host Western Michigan on Tuesday, February 11 for a 7 p.m. game.
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