Zips Strong Homestand Fueled by Five Double-Digit Scorers

Thursday, November 18

Akron, Ohio

5 PM

University of Akron

2-1,0-0MAC

Wheeling

1-3,0-0MEC

Wheeling

Akron

Zips Strong Homestand Fueled by Five Double-Digit Scorers

November 18 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Zips Strong Homestand Fueled by Five Double-Digit Scorers
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AKRON, Ohio – For the second time in as many games, the Akron Zips posted a lopsided win at James A. Rhodes Arena, overpowering visiting Wheeling 99-38 on Thursday night.

Sophomore forward Enrique Freeman paced the Zips with 15 points as five players reached double figures and 11 scored at least three points. Graduate student guard K.J. Walton (14 points), freshman guard Garvin Clarke (career-high 12 points) junior guard Bryan Trimble, Jr. (11) and freshman center Aziz Bandaogo (11) also scored in double figures for the hosts, who shot a sizzling 61.9 percent (39-of-63) from the field.

It was the second consecutive contest where the Zips never trailed, building an insurmountable 49-19 halftime lead behind a defense that forced 12 first-half turnovers and a bench unit that delivered 41 points for the game.

A 24-4 run midway through the first half blew the game wide open, with the Zips (2-1) holding the Cardinals to just two baskets in a span of 8:28. Walton delivered 10 of his 14 points in the run, putting his team in control of the game with the scoring spurt.

Freeman also tallied his second straight double-double, snagging 13 rebounds to help his team to a 44-19 edge on the glass. The defense received significant contributions from sophomore guard Greg Tribble, whose game-high four steals were complemented by three steals each by Clarke and Walton.

With a pronounced size and speed edge on the Cardinals (1-3), the Zips led by as many as 61 points in the game and narrowly missed out on scoring 100 points or more for the second time in six days.

Senior guard Jarett Haines led Wheeling with nine points in defeat and junior forward John Korte contributed seven for the visitors.

Akron will have a quick turnaround for its next game, which will take place on Nov. 22 in Estero, Fla. as part of the Gulf Coast Showcase. The Zips will battle the Fordham Rams in a contest scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m. Fans can follow the tournament live on FloSports with subscription or by Akron Sports Network 6on WHLO 40 AM with Dave Skoczen calling the action and Joe Dunn with analysis. Visit www.gozips.com for more information.