Zips Late Run Secures Win Over Malone, 93-83

Saturday, December 19

Akron, Ohio

2 PM

University of Akron

2-1,0-0MAC

Malone

-01,00 GMAC

Malone

Akron

December 19 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

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Post Game Press Conference

AKRON, Ohio – A strong second half and dominant interior play from sophomore Enrique Freeman (Cleveland, Ohio) led the Akron Zips to a 93-83 win over visiting Malone on Saturday afternoon at James A. Rhodes Arena.

Senior guard Loren Cristian Jackson (Chicago, Ill.) led Akron with 34 points and 10 assists, helping fuel a second-half surge that propelled the Zips (2-1) to their second win of the season. His effort was complemented by a monster game from Freeman, whose double-double included career highs of 22 points and 21 rebounds, along with three blocked shots and two steals. Senior guard Maishe Dailey (Beechwood, Ohio) chipped in with 10 points in the winning effort.

A total of 10 different players scored for the Zips, whose defense also forced 17 Malone turnovers.

Akron's first lead of the day came with 6:46 remaining in regulation on a corner 3-pointer by junior guard Bryan Trimble, Jr. (Kansas City, Mo.), edging the hosts ahead by a 67-64 margin. Freeman extended the lead to four moments later off a nifty assist from Jackson and chased that basket with his second blocked shot at the other end.

On the strength of an 18-8 run, the Zips were able to extend their lead to seven entering the final media timeout of the game and were never threatened after that as they put away the Pioneers (0-1).

The Zips struggled to find their range in the opening minutes as a red-hot Malone squad raced out to a 17-3 lead. However, Akron steadily worked its way back into the game behind the strong inside presence of Freeman, who had tallied his first career double-double before the halftime buzzer sounded.

Using his length and leaping ability, Freeman consistently soared over Malone defenders for offensive rebounds and putbacks, notching 14 points and 10 rebounds – six on the offensive end – in the opening frame.

As Freeman helped spark the offense, it lit the fuse for Jackson, who settled in as the half wore on and led all scorers in the first 20 minutes with 17 points. Behind their dynamic duo, the Zips were able to narrow their deficit and trailed by just two (43-41) at the break.

Freeman's 21 rebounds marks the best effort on the glass since Akron hall of famer, Brian Roth, pulled down 21 boards against Eastern Kentucky in 1985.

Sophomore forward Bo Myers led Malone with 23 points and senior forward Marcus Ernst added 17 in defeat.

Akron will have just two days to rest and recover, as the Zips welcome Ohio to James A. Rhodes Arena for a Tuesday afternoon contest on Dec. 22 to kick off Mid-American Conference play. The contest is slated to tip at 2 p.m. The game can be seen on ESPN3 and heard on WHLO 640-AM.