The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
10-4,1-1MAC
Miami (OH)
15-0,3-0MAC
Akron Falls 76-73 to Miami
January 03 | Men's Basketball
OXFORD, Ohio - In a battle of the preseason No.1 and 2 teams in the Mid-American Conference preseason poll, the Akron Zips fell 76-73 to the Miami RedHawks on the road Saturday.
The Zips (10-4, 1-1) had four players score in double figures, led by Tavari Johnson, who had 22 points, four assists and three steals. Amani Lyles added 16 points and nine rebounds and Shammah Scott helped out with 15 points and two steals from the bench. Eric Mahaffey recorded his second double-double of the season with a 10 point, 13 rebound performance while adding three assists, one steal and one block.
Akron grabbed 37 rebounds in Saturday's game compared to Miami (OH)'s 36, led by Eric Mahaffey's 13 boards. The Zips also cleaned up the offensive glass, turning 12 rebounds into 16 second chance points.
The Akron defense caused its share of mistakes in Saturday's game, forcing 15 Miami (OH) turnovers. Those takeaways turned into eight points on the other end of the floor. Evan Mahaffey led the way individually for the Zips with three steals.
How It Happened
After falling behind 11-7, Akron went on an 11-0 run with 15:44 left in the first half to take an 18-11 lead. The Zips then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 36-33 advantage. Akron did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 24 of its 36 points close to the basket.
Miami (OH) then erased the Akron lead in the game's final quarter for a 76-73 comeback victory. Akron shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting six shots from deep to score 18 of its 37 points.
Game Notes
» Eric Mahaffey notched a double-double for the Zips with 10 points and 13 rebounds.» Akron lit it up from three point land, knocking down eight treys in the game.
» The Zips held the RedHawks to only 37.7 percent shooting from the field.
» The Akron bench came alive by scoring 27 points to its scoring output.
» Shammah Scott and Eric Mahaffey came off the bench to score 15 and 10 points, respectively.
» Akron lost despite a 37-36 rebounding advantage.
» The Akron defense forced 15 turnovers.» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Tavari Johnson led the Zips with 22 points.
» Akron got a game-high 13 rebounds from Eric Mahaffey.
What's Next?
The Zips return to James A. Rhodes Arena on Tuesday, January 6 when Central Michigan comes to Akron.
