The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
13-4,4-1MAC
Ball State
4-13,0-5MAC
Akron Wins 25th Consecutive Home Game; Four Zips Score in Double Figures in 87-77 Victory
January 13 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio -The Akron men's basketball won its 25th consecutive home game with an 87-77 victory over the Ball State Cardinals on Tuesday.
Akron holds the second-longest home winning streak, with St. Thomas leading the way with 27 straight home wins.
The Zips (13-4, 4-1) had four players score in double figures, led by Tavari Johnson, who had 22 points and seven assists. Amani Lyles tacked on a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Shammah Scott chipped in with 18 points off the bench, while Evan Mahaffey scored 10 points and added five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
Akron did a great job taking care of the basketball, dishing out 16 assists while turning the ball over eight times. Johnson's seven assists paced the Zips. Evan Mahaffey also contributed with five assists of his own.
Johnson recorded his 10th 20+ point performance of the season along with his 11th game of the season recording 5+ assists. He also now ranks 44th in all-time scoring at Akron with 1,070 points in his career.
How It Happened
Akron started out the scoring by going on an 8-0 run, culminating in a three from Sharron Young, to take an early lead with 17:28 left in the first half. The Zips then entered halftime with a 43-34 advantage. Akron relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down nine shots to account for 27 of its 43 points.
Following the intermission, Akron kept widening that lead, expanding it to 47-35 before going on a 6-0 run to grow the lead to 53-35 with 16:42 to go in the contest. The Cardinals narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still cruised the rest of the way for the 87-77 win. Akron got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 13 of its 44 total points.
Game Notes
» Amani Lyles notched a double-double for the Zips with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
» Akron found success from three-point land, knocking down 13 treys in the game.
» Akron never trailed on the way to an 87-77 victory.
» Akron recorded 16 total assists in the game.
» The Akron bench made an impact by scoring 30 points.
» Akron had a 33-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» Akron turned the ball over eight times while dishing out 16 assists.
» Tavari Johnson led the Zips with 22 points.
» Akron got a game-high 12 rebounds from Amani Lyles.
What's Next?
Akron stays at the JAR, as it welcomes Western Michigan on Saturday, January 17, for a 2 p.m. start.
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