The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
5-1
St. Bonaventure
2-6
20 Point Efforts from Harmon and Sefcik Down St. Bonaventure, 67-58, On Education Day
December 05 | Women's Basketball
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AKRON, Ohio– A late scoring outburst by junior guard Shayna Harmon (Ashville, Ohio) and redshirt senior guard Megan Sefcik (Austintown, Ohio) powered the Akron Zips to a 67-58 win over visiting St. Bonaventure in the sixth-annual Education Day game at Akron inside James A. Rhodes Arena.Â
Akron improved to 5-1 on the season with the victory over the Bonnies. The win marks the second-best start through six games in Akron program history. The 2014-15 and 1974-75 Zips each started the season off 6-0. The Zips also improve to 5-1 when hosting its annual Education Day.Â
A pair of 20+ point efforts by Harmon and Sefcik paced the Akron offense to victory. Harmon notched a career-high 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor, a perfect 2-for-2 from distance, and 5-of-7 from the free throw line. Sefcik, who has now scored in double-figures in five of six games for the Zips, pitched in 20 points, two assists, and a steal. Junior forward Caitlin Vari (Richfield, Ohio) noted 10 points and seven rebounds in the contest, while junior Haliegh Reinoehl (Westfield, Ind.) grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds. The duo of Harmon and Sefcik scored a combined 30 points in the second half, helping Akron rally from a five-point second-half deficit for its fifth win in six games.
The fourth quarter comeback was fueled by an 18-3 run by the Zips in the final 5:54 of the game and a +10 differential in the fourth quarter overall (27-17). Sefcik scored 13 of her 20 points in the final period of play, while Harmon chipped in nine to score 22 of the Zips 27 fourth-quarter points.Â
Several hundred fifth-graders from local schools were on hand for the game and created a raucous, energetic atmosphere in support of the Zips.Â
It was a low-scoring game for much of the day and saw both teams struggle from the field at times with the Zips converting just four of their first 16 three-pointers as leading scorer Sefcik opened the game just 1-of 6-from beyond the arc before heating up late with two fourth-quarter triples.
The Zips started the game strong, making four of their first five field goal attempts and turning the ball over just once in the game's first eight minutes. Despite their hot hand cooling off as the half wore on, the hosts were able to maintain a lead for much of the first half as they forced nine turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.
The game remained close nearing halftime, but Akron was able to create some separation just before the half with a quick 5-0 run that built its edge to six points (26-20). However, the margin was just three points, 28-25, after St. Bonaventure found its range from the floor just prior to intermission.
The Bonnies were able to seize the contest early in the second half after Akron extended its lead to seven points, as the visitors went on an 8-1 run that allowed them to take a 34-33 lead. From there, St. Bonaventure pushed its lead to six (50-44) in the opening minutes of the fourth period.
However, the Zips offensive outpour late in the second half was too much for the Bonnies to handle and overcome despite shooting 50-percent from the floor in the final period of play.Â
As the final horn sounded, the crowd of fifth graders erupted in cheers for the victorious Zips.Â
Akron returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 8, hosting Butler at 2 p.m., in its third contest of a four-game homestand to open the month. The game can be seen on ESPN+.Â
