The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
27-6,17-1MAC
Toledo
18-15,10-8MAC
Survive and Advance; Akron Advances to Second Straight MAC Title Game With 100-90 Win Over Toledo
March 14 | Men's Basketball
CLEVELAND, Ohio - For the second straight year, the Akron men's basketball team will battle for a Mid-American Conference Tournament title after a thrilling 100-90 victory over the Toledo Rockets on Thursday.
Akron shot 55.6 percent from deep on the way to the victory that saw five Zips score in double figures.
The Zips (27-6) were led by Nate Johnson, who had 31 points, six assists, five rebounds and two blocks. N. Johnson's 31 points ties the Akron record for most points scored in a MAC Tournament game. The last player to score 31 points for the Zips in the MAC Tournament was Xavier Castaneda against Buffalo on Mar. 9, 2023. Isaiah Gray added 15 points and Tavari Johnson helped out with 15 points.
The Akron offense was very productive from downtown, pouring in 10 threes on 18 attempts. Nate Johnson was the most prolific shooter for the Zips, draining three treys in the contest.
Akron did a great job disrupting Toledo shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Nate Johnson's two rejections led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 33-30 advantage, Akron went on an 8-0 run with 7:08 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Shammah Scott, to increase its lead to 41-30. The Zips then maintained that lead and entered halftime with a 52-41 advantage. Akron got a great contribution from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 16 of its 52 total points.
The Zips then held on for the victory in the second half. Akron got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 18 of its 48 total points.
Game Notes
» The Zips made over half of their attempts from three point range, knocking down 10 of 18 shots.» Akron never trailed on the way to a 100-90 victory.
» The Akron bench made an impact by adding 34 points to its scoring output.
» Five Akron players scored 10 or more points.
» Shammah Scott and Amani Lyles came off the bench to score 14 and 12 points, respectively.
» Akron had a 28-27 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Zips were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Akron turned the ball over six times while dishing out 13 assists.
» Nate Johnson led the Zips with a game-high 31 points.
» Akron got a game-high nine rebounds from Amani Lyles.
What's Next?
The Zips will battle either No. 2 Miami or No. 3 Kent State in the MAC Championship on Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m.
