Zips on the Road at Ohio

Saturday, January 25

Athens, Ohio

3:30 PM

University of Akron

Ohio

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January 24 | Men's Basketball

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Akron Zips (15-4, 5-1 MAC) vs Ohio Bobcats (10-9, 2-4 MAC)
Saturday, Jan. 25 • Convocation Center • Athens, Ohio • 3:30 PM • ESPN3

Ohio Head Coach
Jeff Boals (Ohio '95)
Overall: 65-50 (4th season)
Record at Ohio: 10-9 (1st season)
MAC Record: 2-4 (1st season)

AKRON ZIPS Head Coach
John Groce (Taylor '94)
Career Record: 226-169 (12th Season)
Record at Akron: 46-38 (3rd Season)
MAC Record at Akron: 19-23 (3rd Season)
Overall MAC Record: 53-53 (at Ohio and Akron)

All-Time Series
Akron Leads: 42-40 - Groce vs.Ohio 2-2 (6-2 Overall)
Last Meeting: Ohio 73, Akron 49 at James A. Rhodes Arena on March 2, 2019
First Meeting: Akron 21, Ohio 18 in Akron 1911-12 season
In Akron:25-14, Neutral: 3-1, In Athens: 14-25

Broadcast
TV/Video: ESPN3 – Marty Bannister (PxP) and Toni Roesch (Analyst)
Live Stats: (GoZips.com/Schedule) - Live Stats
Radio: Akron Sports Network - Steve French (PxP), Joe Dunn (Analyst), WARF 1350 AM (flagship), iHeart Radio, TuneIn.com/Akron Zips

What's Ahead
Akron continues Mid-American Conference Eastern Division play in Athens, Ohio on Saturday, Jan. 25 against Ohio. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The divisional series is scheduled to be broadcasted on ESPN3 and can be heard on at SportsRadio1350.com, iHeart Radio, and TuneIn.com/AkronZips. Fans can also follow the action on GoZips.com via Live Stats.

Akron is coming off an 81-60 road win to open MAC Eastern Division play at Miami and owns a 15-4 overall record with a 5-1 league mark. Akron opened league play against five consecutive western division opponents. All other league foes played at least two divisional opponents during that stretch. Akron defeated Eastern Michigan on the road in the MAC season opener (69-45), Western Michigan (84-69, H), Ball State (75-60, H), Northern Illinois (72-49, A) and fell to Toledo (99-89, H).

Scouting the Bobcats
Ohio enters the contest with an 10-9 overall record and 2-4 in MAC play and under new head coach Jeff Boals, former Zips assistant. The Bobcats are coming off an 83-74 loss to Toledo. Ohio is 6-4 (1-2 MAC) at home, 3-3 (1-2 MAC) on the road and 1-2 in neutral site games.

Ohio has three players averaging double figures in points led by Jason Preston with 16.5 points per game. Preston is shooting 49.4 percent from the floor with a 116 made field goals on 235 attempts. From long distance, he has buried 17 triples while shooting at a 34.0 percent clip. Preston adds a team-best 142 assists, 6.2 rebounds per game (118 rebs) with 32 steals. Ben Vander Plas follows with 15.2 points per game and averages a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game (134 rebs) with 15 blocked shots. Vander Plas has made a second-best 29 long-distance buckets while shooting 52.2 percent from the floor (109-of-209) and 34.1 percent from deep (29-of-85). Jordan Dartis rounds out the double-digit scoring with 13.4 points per game and leads the squad from deep, draining 53 triples for a 37.9 shooting percentage (53-of-140). He adds 41 rebounds, 27 assists and 18 steals.

Ohio has four additional players with double-digit 3-point field goals made in Ben Roderick(.371, 13-of-35), Lunden McDay (.279, 12-of-43), Nate Springs (.423, 11-of-26) and Mason McMurray (.278, 10-of-36).

Defensively, Ohio limits its opponents to 71.2 points per game on 44.7 percent shooting from the floor and 34.8 percent from 3-point range, allowing 8.5 long distance strikes per night. The Bobcats caused 247 turnovers (13.0 to/g) with 118 steals (6.2 stl/g). Ohio slightly outrebounds the opponent by a +2.2 margin. The opponents snagged 642 (33.8) total boards compared to the 683 (36.0) total rebounds secured.

The Akron-Ohio Series
Saturday's game marks the 83rd meeting in series history between Akron and Ohio, and fifth meeting for a Groce coached UA squad with an even 2-2 record at Akron and 6-2 overall.

Akron holds an all-time 42-40 series advantage. The Zips have won 11 of the last 17 meetings, and Akron is 25-13 against the Bobcats in Akron, winning 14 of the last 17 meetings at Rhodes Arena, including a 71-68 win on Jan.23, 2018.

The Zips are 14-25 against OU in Athens, winning four of the last seven meetings at the Convocation Center, including a 65-53 win on Feb. 2, 2019. Ohio posted the last win in the series, defeating Akron 73-49 at the JAR (3/2/19). The Zips dropped two meetings in 2017-18 by scores of 99-75 (2/6/18) Rhodes Arena and 85-70 (2/4/17) at the Convocation Center. The Zips are 3-2 against the Bobcats in the MAC Tournament.

Zips Improvement Under Groce...
In the first year under Groce (2017-18), the Zips had to find their groove again with a brand new roster, virtually starting from scratch. That year the Zips finished with a 14-18 overall record and 6-12 league mark, ranking 234th in offensive efficiency (101.8), 270th defensive efficiency (109.9) and 198th in pace of play (67.8). Akron lost in the first round of the MAC Tournament.

In year two (2018-19), The Zips dramatically improved on the defensive side of the ball, finishing No. 22 defensive efficiency (94.1) and No. 1 in the MAC. Akron climbed 248 slots, however the slower tempo 254th (66.2) and offensive efficiency 259th (100.0) needed improvement. The Zips finished 17-16 overall and 8-10 MAC while advancing to the quarterfinals of the MAC Tournament.

This season, the Zips picked up the pace, improving 172 spots in the tempo ratings, ranking 82nd (70.3). The new pace of play directly effects the offensive efficiency rating as the Zips climbed 215 spots for a No. 44 (109.4) ranking in the NCAA. On the defensive side of the ball, Akron stands at 90th (97.2). Looks like Akron is finding the perfect balance for sustained success.

The Polls - Zips Rank 16th in Mid-Major Top 25 Poll
For the first time since the 2016-17 season, Akron basketball returned to the The CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 Poll at No. 19. The Zips received 194 votes to climb eight spots on the Jan. 6 rankings. The Zips were previously ranked 27th overall with 43 points. After a 2-0 week, defeating Western Michigan and Ball State Akron jumped five spots to No. 14 with 359 points (1/13/2020). Akron split week 3's games and dropped to No. 16 with 336 points (1/20/2020). In 2016-17, the Zips climbed as high as No. 7 in the mid-major poll, receiving 577 votes by Jan. 30.

In addition, Akron received one vote for the AP Poll on Monday, Jan. 13. The Zips debuted at No. 63 in the first NCAA NET Rankings and now stands 63rd after the home loss to Toledo. Akron's highest ranking of the season was 34^th.

In the Ken Pom rankings, Akron is currently 65th overall and has the second defensive efficiency rating in the MAC after six games (94.1) and stands 90th in the NCAA (97.2). Akron is at the top of the MAC in offensive efficiency according to Ken Pom (115.7) and 44th in the NCAA (109.4). Akron ranks 58^th in RPI and 59^th in BPI.

Creating Space
The Akron Zips are 6-1 in the last seven games, including five MAC wins by double figures. During that stretch, the Zips have outscored the opponents by a +13.4 margin (+94, 555-461). In the six league games, Akron holds a +14.7 margin (+88, 470-382). The Zips defeated UMass (+6, 85-79), EMU (+24, 69-45), WMU (+15, 84-69), BSU (+15, 75-60) and NIU (+23, 72-49) before falling to Toledo (-10, 99-89). Akron bounced back with a win over Miami (+21, 81-60).

Long Distance Attacks
Akron is shooting 38.3 percent as a team from beyond the 3-point arc (176-of-460), ranking 18th NCAA and 1st MAC. The 176 made 3-pointers ranks 26th NCAA and 1st MAC while attempts rank 64th NCAA and 5th MAC. Akron averages 9.8 triples per game, standing 21st NCAA and 1st MAC.

The long distances attacks are spearheaded by Loren Cristian Jackson with 48 while Channel Banks and Xeyrius Williams follow with 47 and 46, respectively. Jackson (Banks ranks 73rd in the NCAA and 5th in the MAC. Cheese has 29 made 3-pointers.

Akron in the MAC
The Zips have posted a 54-33 mark (.621) in the last 87 games against the MAC East dating back to the start of the 2012 league schedule. Akron is 6-3 against the MAC East at the conference tournament during that stretch. Akron is 110-53 in the regular season against the West Division (.679), including winners of 53 of the last 70 regular-season games since divisional play began during the 1997-98 season. Akron is 63-16 (.808) at home in league play since the start of the 2011 MAC schedule. UA has seen a ton of success in league play since the start of the 2004-05 season, and is 174-86 overall (.670), including a 108-23 mark in MAC play at home (.829). The Zips' 174 wins are the most in the league during that stretch. The Zips have won 94 of their last 137 MAC games (.688).

Defending the JAR
Akron is 10-1 at James A. Rhodes Arena and had a 12-game home court winning streak snapped by Toledo. The Zips only allow opponents to score 61.5 points per game at home on 37.4 percent shooting from the field (253-of-677) and 29.2 percent from deep (64-of-219). Akron has allowed 677 total points in 11 games – 99 points was the most for the opposition at Rhodes Arena this season. In fact, Akron has held seven teams to 60 points or less, including five teams to 50 or less.

2020 Vision
Four different players have scored at least 20 points 16 times this season. Tyler Cheese own six of those performances, scoring 20 points three times coupled with 23- 21- and 25-point efforts. Loren Cristian Jackson follows with six 20-plus point performances, registering a career-high 33 points in addition to a 28- and a pair of 26-point showings and a pair of 20-point efforts. Xeyrius Williams and Channel Banks round out the 20-point performers list as Williams posted a career-best 25-point, 23-point and 20-point games. Banks is also a career-high with 21 points. In addition, the Zips have five 19-point efforts by Williams (NC Central, Miami), Cheese (YSU, Toledo) and Jackson (YSU).

Strong Defensive Stance and Sacrifice
The Akron Zips have limited opponents to scoring 60 points or less in 11 games, including six games of 50 points or under. The Zips allow only 64.3 points per game, ranking No. 57 in the NCAA for scoring defense and 3rd MAC. Akron limits opponents to 39.0 shooting from the floor (37th NCAA, 1st MAC) and 29.5 from long distance (38th NCAA, 1st MAC). Akron has caused 262 turnovers (13.8 t/g) with 92 steals (4.8 stl/g). In addition, players are sacrificing their bodies by taking charges as Banks leads with 18 followed by Jackson (14) and Cheese (13).

Zips Scoring in Bunches
The Zips have four players averaging double figures in scoring led by Loren Cristian Jackson with 17.6 points per game followed by Tyler Cheese (15.9), Xeyrius Williams (14.6) and Channel Banks (11.3). Over the first 19 games, the Akron Zips have seen at least three players score in double digits in every game. Akron had five double-figure scorers against Malone (Williams 17, Banks 15, Cheese 15, Reece 13 and Jackson 12) ... four against Miami (Jackson 20, Williams 19, Cheese 18, Banks 12), West Virginia (Williams 20, Banks 16, Jackson 16 and Cheese 15), YSU (Cheese 19, Jackson 19, Banks 12 and Reece 10), Southern (Cheese 21, Williams 15, Banks 14, and Reece 11), Concord (Banks 19, Sayles 16, Williams 12 and Tribble 11) and Liberty (Banks 17, Jackson 17, Williams 15 and Cheese 12).

Pass the Cheese
Senior Tyler Cheese ranks second in scoring for the Zips, averaging 15.9 points per game, ranking 7th in the MAC. He registered double-digit points in 17-of-19 games with a season high of 25 points. He posted games of 23, 21, 20 (x3), 21, 19 (x2), 18, 17 (x2) and 15 (x2). Cheese is fourth on the squad in 3-pointers made (30) and is shooting at a 37.5 percent clip from deep (30-of-80). In the MAC, he stands 4th in free throw percentage (.805, 62-of-77), 10th assists (3.2) and 17th in 3-point FG percentage.

ARE YOU XEYRIUS?
Senior Xeyrius Williams impacts both sides of the floor for the Zips, nearly averaging a double-double with 14.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per night. He owns team-highs in rebounds (185) and blocked shots (23). Williams is shooting 88.2 percent from the free throw line (30-of-34). In the NCAA, Williams ranks 9th in defensive rebounds per game (8.0), 29th rebounds per game (9.7), 29th total rebounds (185), 41st double-doubles (7), 136th total blocks (23) and 154nd blocked shots per game (1.2). He ranks among the league's best in seven categories including rebounding (2nd), defensive rebounds (2nd), blocked shots (5th), 3-pointers made (5th, 2.7), scoring (13th) and 3-point FG percentage (24th, .357). He has scored with double figures 15 times this season, including a career-high 25 points against Marshall. He has seven double-doubles this season and grabbed double-digit rebounds 10 times, including a career-best 15 rebounds against Tulane. He earned MAC East Player of the Week two times.

R&R In The Paint...
Senior Deng Riak and Junior Camron Reece are huge pieces for the Zips frontcourt and they don't let the defense relax. Combined, the two big-men average 11 points and 10 rebounds per game which allows the offense to flow and forces defenses to pick their poison.

Riak is the Zips defensive anchor, seeing plays before they happen and making sure the four other players are in position to guard. He averages 20 minutes per game, scores 3.8 points and grabs 4.6 rebounds on average. He secured 88 total rebounds and blocked 12 shots.

Reece clocks 18-minutes per game and averages 6.6 points on 59.7 percent shooting from the floor. He scored in double-digits five times this season, including a career-high 13 points on two occasions, vs Malone and Marshall. Reece is an electric player that gets the crowd involved as a result of his supreme athleticism and high-flying dunks. He grabs 4.6 rebounds per game and posted eight blocked shots. Reece has made 27-of-39 free throws for a 69.2 free throw percentage.

Like Money in the Bank$
Senior Channel Banks ranks 7th in the NCAA in 3-point field goal percentage and 1st in the MAC, draining 44.5 percent from long distance. His 2.7 triples per game leads the Zips and ranks 5th in league play and 65th in the NCAA. Banks has buried 51-of-111 from deep and ranks in the 62nd in the NCAA. Banks scored in double figures in 11-of-19 games which includes a career-high 21 against UMass.

Action Jackson
Junior Loren Cristian Jackson is the leading scorer for the Zips, averaging 17.6 points per game and ranks 4th in the MAC. He scored double-digit points in 16-of-19 games, including a season-high 33 points against Toledo. He leads the squad in assists (96), dishing out 5.2 helpers per game while making 73-of-85 from the charity stripe (.859). Jackson buried a team-best 52 triples. Jackson is ranked in the top of the MAC in six categories, including free throw percentage (3rd, .859), assist/to ratio (2nd, 2.3), assists (4th, 5.1), scoring (4th, 17.6), 3-point FG made (4th, 2.7) and 3-point FG percentage (5th, .433). In the NCAA, Jackson ranks 43rd assist/turnover ratio, 45th free throw percentage, 58th total assists, 56th assists per game, 54th 3-point FG made and 60th 3-pointers per game. He earned MAC East Player of the Week.

The Broadcasts
The Zips game is available for broadcast on ESPN3 with Marty Bannister calling the action and Toni Roesch providing analysis. The Zips' radio broadcast will air on the Akron Sports Network SportsRadio 1350 AM (WARF) in Akron (flagship) with Steve French calling the action and Joe Dunn providing analysis. The pregame show starts 30 minutes prior to the contest. The free audio stream is available at SportsRadio1350.com, iHeart Radio, and TuneIn.com/AkronZips. Fans can also follow the action on GoZips.com via Live Stats.

UP NEXT
Akron returns home to battle Buffalo on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. The game is scheduled to be broadcasted on ESPN+ and can be heard on at SportsRadio1350.com, iHeart Radio, and TuneIn.com/AkronZips. Fans can also follow the action on GoZips.com via Live Stats.