The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Bryant
Men's Basketball Opens Homestand with 72-66 Win Over Bryant
November 30 | Men's Basketball
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AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zips opened a four-game homestand on Sunday with a 72-66 win over the Bryant Bulldogs at James A. Rhodes Arena.
The Zips, leading by three at the half, had to fight off three late 3-pointers by the Bulldogs to win their fifth-straight home game dating back to last year.
Noah Robotham led three Akron (4-2) players in double figures with 14 points to go with five rebounds and four assists. Deji Ibitayo scored all 12 of his points in the second half while Pat Forsythe added 10 points and five rebounds.
The Zips closed the game shooting 46.2 percent from the floor (24-of-52) and 39.1 percent from long range (9-of-23). Akron won the battle of the boards, 41-32.
Dyami Starks led Bryant (1-3) with game-high 25 points, including seven 3-point buckets.
Akron scored the first six points and 8-of-10 to start the game with an 8-2 run. Nyles Evans scored six of those points on three-consecutive buckets.
The early Akron lead would grow to as many as eight points (13-5) before Bryant closed the gap to 13-12 thanks to a 7-0 run. The Zips responded with its second 8-2 run of the first half to push their lead back to seven (21-14) with 8:34 to go in the half.
The Akron lead grew to as many as 11 (29-18) before halftime, but Bryant would hit 3-pointers on two of its last three possessions to cut the Akron lead to three (32-29) at the intermission.
Bryant opened the second half with a 3-pointer on its first possession to tie the game at 32-all, but back-to-back buckets by Kwan Cheatham, Jr., and Forsythe put the Zips back on tip, 36-32.
The Bulldogs would use a 7-0 run over a 48-second stretch to take a 44-40 lead, its first of the game. A Jake Kretzer 3-pointer would end the run and spark a 10-0 run for Akron. Kretzer's second 3-pointer of the run game the Zips a 50-44 lead heading into the under-12 media timeout.
The Akron run would grow to 19-2 on an Antino Jackson 3-pointer, giving the Zips a 59-46 lead with 8:01 to go in the game.
With the Zips missing the front end of consecutive 1-and-1 free throw attempts, Bryant would drain two 3-pointers to cut the Akron lead to 67-63 with 31 seconds to go.
After Cheatham hit two free throws, the Bulldogs hit their third 3-pointer in the final minute, immediately calling timeout after the bucket. Akron's lead would stand at 69-66 with 22.5 to go.
Bryant would get a good look with less than 10 second to go, but the attempt would be off the mark. Ibitayo would ice the game with two free throws, giving Akron the 72-66 win.
The Zips continue their four-game home stand on Tuesday, Dec. 2, when they play host to Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Zips Notebook: For the first time this season, the Zips committed more turnovers than their opponent (13-8) ... Noah Robotham has scored in double figures in five-straight games ... Deji Ibitayo is averaging 14.7 points per game over the last three contests.
