The University of Akron Athletics
Men's Basketball Downs YSU, Wins Fourth Straight
December 22 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron
men's basketball team ran its win streak to a season-high-tying
four games, and notched its 16th-straight victory at home,
defeating Youngstown State 79-59 on Friday at Rhodes Arena.
The Zips emerged victorious for the eighth time in nine games, and
extended the nation's sixth-longest win streak at home (Tennessee
is fifth with 23 consecutive wins).
Cedrick Middleton led Akron (9-2) with 16 points
off a 4-of-5 shooting performance from the field that included a
4-of-4 performance from behind the 3-point arc. Overall, UA
connected on 46.2 percent (18-of-39) of its shots from the field,
going 8-of-15 (53.3 percent) from beyond the arc. The Zips also set
season highs in both free throws made (35) and attempted (43) in
shooting 81.4 percent from the line.
Jeremiah Wood grabbed eight boards to lead UA in
rebounding for the ninth time in 11 contests this season, he also
had 12 points, five assists and three steals. For the game, the
Zips out-rebounded the Penguins, 33-30. Nate
Linhart tied a season high with 14 points for Akron to round
out the blue and gold's double-digit scorers.
Akron held an opponent to under 70 points for the eighth time in 11
outings thus far this season. It was also the fourth time this
season that UA has won by at least 20 points. The Zips limited
Youngstown State (3-7) to 33.3 percent (17-of-51) shooting from the
floor and 42.9 percent (3-of-7) from 3-point range. The Penguins,
who lost their fifth straight, were led by Jack Liles's game-high
16 points.
The game featured a combined 59 personal fouls (30 for YSU).
Despite a 14-4 run by the visitors to begin the second half –
one that saw YSU draw to within 50-40 with 13:05 left in the game
– the Zips were in control from the opening tip. Jimmy
Conyers's 3-pointer from the right baseline handed UA a 32-9
lead with 6:37 remaining in the first period, and the Zips led by
as many as 28, 39-11, with 4:26 left before the break.
The Zips have won 37 of their last 38 games at Rhodes Arena and are
46-2 at home under fourth-year coach Keith
Dambrot. His team's 9-2 start this season is the best during
his tenure, and the best for the program since the 1998-99 team had
an identical opening to its campaign.
Akron returns to action next Saturday (Dec. 29) when it faces
Illinois-Chicago at Rhodes Arena. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.
EST.
