The University of Akron Athletics
Saturday, February 19
Akron, Ohio
2:00 PM
University of Akron
vs
Kent State
Zips Host Rival Kent State in 'Akron For Nakon’ Game
February 18 | Women's Basketball
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Akron Game Notes (PDF) | Kent State Game Notes (PDF)
AKRON, Ohio- The Akron women's basketball team will look for the season sweep and full point in the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge on Saturday, Feb. 19 as the Zips host rival Kent State at 2 p.m. Saturday's game will also serve as the Zips' 'Akron for Nakon' game.
THE GAME
Akron (12-8, 9-5 MAC) vs. Kent State (16-7, 8-6 MAC)
Saturday, Feb. 19| James A. Rhodes Arena| 2:00 PM
BROADCAST
ESPN3: https://es.pn/3sTyfwu
Radio: Chad Welker (pbp), 99.7 Canton's New Country
Live Stats: https://bit.ly/3sLeLKz
KENT STATE HEAD COACH
Todd Starkey
Overall Record: 263-167 (15th Season)
Record at Kent State: 98-72 (6th Season)
AKRON HEAD COACH
Melissa Jackson
Overall Record: 50-52 (4th Season)
Record at Akron: 50-52 (4th Season)
CRYSTAL CLINIC WAGON WHEEL CHALLENGE
The 16-sport Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center Wagon Wheel Challenge rivalry series between Akron and Kent State is based on a time-honored competition for an historic wooden wagon wheel trophy awarded originally in 1945 to the winner of the annual Akron-Kent State football game. Through eight events, Kent State leads the challenge, 4.0-1.5.
Since the 2011-12 academic year, the rivalry was broadened to include 16 NCAA varsity sports, with victories in each sport adding one point to the challenge standings. To learn more about the rivalry and follow the results and standings, visit: www.WagonWheelChallenge.com
About the Nakon Foundation
The mission of the event is to raise funds to support those suffering from breast cancer, honor the survivors of all cancers, and educate the community. The Nakon Foundation will be the beneficiary of this year's event. All proceeds of the "Nakon for Akron" Game will be donated to this local community foundation.
The Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation was established on February 22, 2003,
Karen's 38th birthday, to honor her graceful and courageous five-year battle against breast cancer. The primary objective of the Nakon Foundation is to help families endure the staggering cost of treatment. The foundation provides services for Northeast Ohio residents who are undergoing treatment and are in need of financial support.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Akron and Kent State are squaring off for the 75th time in program history, with the Golden Flashes owning a 57-17 series edge. Earlier this season, the Zips came away with a 62-61 victory at Kent State. The Zips look to sweep the Flashes for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
LAST TIME OUT
The Zips improved to 12-8 overall and 9-5 MAC after the Zips earned the season-sweep over Central Michigan with a 67-54 victory on Wednesday. Akron faced a 13-point deficit and orchestrated a 14-0 run over 4:12, putting Akon in front. Buoyed by the spurt, they outscored the Chippewas 54-28 over the final 26:07 of game time.
In addition to a monster double-double by Dawson with 29 points and 13 rebounds to go with four steals, the Akron defense was the main force in turning the tide. With 12 forced turnovers, nine steals and three blocked shots, the Zips were aggressive on the defensive end and harassed the visitors into 33.3-percent shooting.
Four different Zips hit from beyond the arc in the period and the Chippewas (4-20, 2-13 MAC) could not mount a serious rally. In addition to Dawson's big night, freshman forward Reagan Bass (Strongsville, Ohio) had a solid outing with 16 points and six rebounds, while junior forward Lonasia Brewer (Akron, Ohio) snared nine rebounds to go with her five points.
ZIP TIPS
- The 2021-22 season marks the 48th season of competition for the Akron women's basketball program.
- As a team, Akron ranks 16th in the NCAA and lead the conference in fewest turnovers (289), 34th in fewest fouls (313).
- Akron ranks second in the conference in Blocked shots per game (3.8).
-The Zips perimeter defense is first in conference play (28.9), while ranking third in three-point percentage (34.2)
- Jordyn Dawson led the Zips a year ago averaging a team-high 15.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game en route to a third-team All-MAC accolade. She leads the team averaging 21.4points and 9.6 rebounds and leads the team with 50 steals.
- In conference play, Dawson is averaging a double-double with 23.4 points per game, and 10.9 rebounds, while gathering 39 steals and six blocks. She has scored in double-figures in 14 straight games, 13 being 20+ points.
- Jordyn Dawson is rated 9th in the nation in points per game (21.4), 13th in steals per game (2.84), and 17th in defensive rebounds per game (7.8), and 42nd in rebounds per game (9.6)
- Dawson ranks 39th in double-doubles (10) and ranks second in league stats.
- In conference play, freshman Reagan Bass is second on the team in points per game (12.8. Bass has scored in double-figures in 11 of the last 14 games, reaching a career-high mark of 23 points (EMU).
- Bass ranks 9th in MAC stats in blocked shots per game (1.00).
- Akron owns a 36-19 mark under head coach Melissa Jackson when shooting 40 percent or better from the field, including a 10-3 record this season. When hitting at a 35-percent clip or better from beyond the arc, the Zips maintain a 26-16 mark, including a 5-3 record this season.
- The Akron bench is shooting more than 38 percent (38.9) from the field and at a 32.1 percent clip beyond the arc this season.
- Seven different Akron players have scored in double figures this season led by Jordyn Dawson tallying 10 or more points in 18 contests this year. She is joined by Reagan Bass (12) and Lonasia Brewer (7), Layne Ferrell (5), Annika Corcoran (3), Kendall Miller (2).
- Akron has connected on five or more three-pointers in 14 games this season, and 45 of its last 51 contests overall. The Zips hit on a season-high 13 triples in a 97-54 win over Slippery Rock, the best single-game effort for Akron since making 16 three-pointers in the opening round of the 2018 Mid-American Conference Tournament on March 5, 2018.
- Akron is scoring 47.1 percent of its point in the paint this season, averaging 30.9 percent points in the paint per game.
- Akron is a 6-2 at home and is averaging 73.0 points when playing at the JAR.
- The Zips are shooting 42.3percent (490-1158) from the field and 132-386 percent (34.2) from beyond the arc. Akron has been outrebounded by its opponents, 763-722 for a -2.1 margin. Akron has 289 turnovers averaging (14.5) turnovers per game) and has 136 steals (6.8 per game).
- Akron is returning nearly its entire 2020-21 roster including seniors Gabrielle Brown-Mitchell (Solon, Ohio)(4.2 ppg), Kendall Miller (Akron, Ohio)(5.5 ppg, 2.33 apg) and Colleen Neitzel (Rocky River, Ohio)(5.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg), junior Lonasia Brewer (Akron, Ohio) (10.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and redshirt sophomore Emma Tecca (Tallmadge, Ohio) (5.4 ppg), who all started in double-figure contests for the Zips. Juniors Rachel Martindale (Pittsburgh, Pa.)(5.8 ppg) and Molly Neitzel (Rocky River, Ohio)(6.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg), redshirt sophomore Layne Ferrell (Franklin, Ohio)(5.5 ppg) and sophomore Alexis Stewart (Hamilton, Ontario) (2.9 ppg) added valuable contributions for Akron appearing in double-digit games last season.
SCOUTING KENT STATE
The Flashes, stand 16-7 overall and 8-6 in conference play under the direction of 6th-year head coach Todd Starkey aftern earning a 67-43 victory over NIU on Wednesday. The Flashes held NIU without a field goal for nearly a 10-minute stretch, while scoring 38 points in the paint and shooting 70 percent from the floor. Junior Katie Shumate led three Flashes in double-figures with 15 points. Junior Nila Blackford added 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.
KSU is averaging 70.3 points per game on 42.3 percent shooting (579-1367) from the floor and 193-537 shooting (35.9 percent) from long range, ranking second in the MAC. The Flashes have four players averaging in double-figures. Katie Shumate leads the Flashes in scoring at 12.4 points per game. Casey Santoro averages 11.7 points, while Nila Blackford and Lindsey Thall are averaging 11.6 and 11.4 points, respectively. Blackford paces the Flashes in rebounding, averaging 9.4 per game, ranking fifth in the MAC.
Defensively, the Flashes have held their opponents to 70.3 points per game on 42.3 percent shooting from the floor and 35.9 percent from beyond the arc. KSU has 310 turnovers (13.5 turnovers per game) while collecting 144 steals (6.3 steals per game). On the glass, the Flashes have out-rebounded their opponents, 881-745 for a +5.9 margin.
UP NEXT
The Zips will close out their homestand on Monday, Feb. 21 as Akron hosts Ohio at James A. Rhodes Arena. Tip time is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Follow Coach Jackson on Twitter
Akron Game Notes (PDF) | Kent State Game Notes (PDF)
AKRON, Ohio- The Akron women's basketball team will look for the season sweep and full point in the Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge on Saturday, Feb. 19 as the Zips host rival Kent State at 2 p.m. Saturday's game will also serve as the Zips' 'Akron for Nakon' game.
THE GAME
Akron (12-8, 9-5 MAC) vs. Kent State (16-7, 8-6 MAC)
Saturday, Feb. 19| James A. Rhodes Arena| 2:00 PM
BROADCAST
ESPN3: https://es.pn/3sTyfwu
Radio: Chad Welker (pbp), 99.7 Canton's New Country
Live Stats: https://bit.ly/3sLeLKz
KENT STATE HEAD COACH
Todd Starkey
Overall Record: 263-167 (15th Season)
Record at Kent State: 98-72 (6th Season)
AKRON HEAD COACH
Melissa Jackson
Overall Record: 50-52 (4th Season)
Record at Akron: 50-52 (4th Season)
CRYSTAL CLINIC WAGON WHEEL CHALLENGE
The 16-sport Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center Wagon Wheel Challenge rivalry series between Akron and Kent State is based on a time-honored competition for an historic wooden wagon wheel trophy awarded originally in 1945 to the winner of the annual Akron-Kent State football game. Through eight events, Kent State leads the challenge, 4.0-1.5.
Since the 2011-12 academic year, the rivalry was broadened to include 16 NCAA varsity sports, with victories in each sport adding one point to the challenge standings. To learn more about the rivalry and follow the results and standings, visit: www.WagonWheelChallenge.com
About the Nakon Foundation
The mission of the event is to raise funds to support those suffering from breast cancer, honor the survivors of all cancers, and educate the community. The Nakon Foundation will be the beneficiary of this year's event. All proceeds of the "Nakon for Akron" Game will be donated to this local community foundation.
The Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation was established on February 22, 2003,
Karen's 38th birthday, to honor her graceful and courageous five-year battle against breast cancer. The primary objective of the Nakon Foundation is to help families endure the staggering cost of treatment. The foundation provides services for Northeast Ohio residents who are undergoing treatment and are in need of financial support.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Akron and Kent State are squaring off for the 75th time in program history, with the Golden Flashes owning a 57-17 series edge. Earlier this season, the Zips came away with a 62-61 victory at Kent State. The Zips look to sweep the Flashes for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
LAST TIME OUT
The Zips improved to 12-8 overall and 9-5 MAC after the Zips earned the season-sweep over Central Michigan with a 67-54 victory on Wednesday. Akron faced a 13-point deficit and orchestrated a 14-0 run over 4:12, putting Akon in front. Buoyed by the spurt, they outscored the Chippewas 54-28 over the final 26:07 of game time.
In addition to a monster double-double by Dawson with 29 points and 13 rebounds to go with four steals, the Akron defense was the main force in turning the tide. With 12 forced turnovers, nine steals and three blocked shots, the Zips were aggressive on the defensive end and harassed the visitors into 33.3-percent shooting.
Four different Zips hit from beyond the arc in the period and the Chippewas (4-20, 2-13 MAC) could not mount a serious rally. In addition to Dawson's big night, freshman forward Reagan Bass (Strongsville, Ohio) had a solid outing with 16 points and six rebounds, while junior forward Lonasia Brewer (Akron, Ohio) snared nine rebounds to go with her five points.
ZIP TIPS
- The 2021-22 season marks the 48th season of competition for the Akron women's basketball program.
- As a team, Akron ranks 16th in the NCAA and lead the conference in fewest turnovers (289), 34th in fewest fouls (313).
- Akron ranks second in the conference in Blocked shots per game (3.8).
-The Zips perimeter defense is first in conference play (28.9), while ranking third in three-point percentage (34.2)
- Jordyn Dawson led the Zips a year ago averaging a team-high 15.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game en route to a third-team All-MAC accolade. She leads the team averaging 21.4points and 9.6 rebounds and leads the team with 50 steals.
- In conference play, Dawson is averaging a double-double with 23.4 points per game, and 10.9 rebounds, while gathering 39 steals and six blocks. She has scored in double-figures in 14 straight games, 13 being 20+ points.
- Jordyn Dawson is rated 9th in the nation in points per game (21.4), 13th in steals per game (2.84), and 17th in defensive rebounds per game (7.8), and 42nd in rebounds per game (9.6)
- Dawson ranks 39th in double-doubles (10) and ranks second in league stats.
- In conference play, freshman Reagan Bass is second on the team in points per game (12.8. Bass has scored in double-figures in 11 of the last 14 games, reaching a career-high mark of 23 points (EMU).
- Bass ranks 9th in MAC stats in blocked shots per game (1.00).
- Akron owns a 36-19 mark under head coach Melissa Jackson when shooting 40 percent or better from the field, including a 10-3 record this season. When hitting at a 35-percent clip or better from beyond the arc, the Zips maintain a 26-16 mark, including a 5-3 record this season.
- The Akron bench is shooting more than 38 percent (38.9) from the field and at a 32.1 percent clip beyond the arc this season.
- Seven different Akron players have scored in double figures this season led by Jordyn Dawson tallying 10 or more points in 18 contests this year. She is joined by Reagan Bass (12) and Lonasia Brewer (7), Layne Ferrell (5), Annika Corcoran (3), Kendall Miller (2).
- Akron has connected on five or more three-pointers in 14 games this season, and 45 of its last 51 contests overall. The Zips hit on a season-high 13 triples in a 97-54 win over Slippery Rock, the best single-game effort for Akron since making 16 three-pointers in the opening round of the 2018 Mid-American Conference Tournament on March 5, 2018.
- Akron is scoring 47.1 percent of its point in the paint this season, averaging 30.9 percent points in the paint per game.
- Akron is a 6-2 at home and is averaging 73.0 points when playing at the JAR.
- The Zips are shooting 42.3percent (490-1158) from the field and 132-386 percent (34.2) from beyond the arc. Akron has been outrebounded by its opponents, 763-722 for a -2.1 margin. Akron has 289 turnovers averaging (14.5) turnovers per game) and has 136 steals (6.8 per game).
- Akron is returning nearly its entire 2020-21 roster including seniors Gabrielle Brown-Mitchell (Solon, Ohio)(4.2 ppg), Kendall Miller (Akron, Ohio)(5.5 ppg, 2.33 apg) and Colleen Neitzel (Rocky River, Ohio)(5.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg), junior Lonasia Brewer (Akron, Ohio) (10.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and redshirt sophomore Emma Tecca (Tallmadge, Ohio) (5.4 ppg), who all started in double-figure contests for the Zips. Juniors Rachel Martindale (Pittsburgh, Pa.)(5.8 ppg) and Molly Neitzel (Rocky River, Ohio)(6.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg), redshirt sophomore Layne Ferrell (Franklin, Ohio)(5.5 ppg) and sophomore Alexis Stewart (Hamilton, Ontario) (2.9 ppg) added valuable contributions for Akron appearing in double-digit games last season.
SCOUTING KENT STATE
The Flashes, stand 16-7 overall and 8-6 in conference play under the direction of 6th-year head coach Todd Starkey aftern earning a 67-43 victory over NIU on Wednesday. The Flashes held NIU without a field goal for nearly a 10-minute stretch, while scoring 38 points in the paint and shooting 70 percent from the floor. Junior Katie Shumate led three Flashes in double-figures with 15 points. Junior Nila Blackford added 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.
KSU is averaging 70.3 points per game on 42.3 percent shooting (579-1367) from the floor and 193-537 shooting (35.9 percent) from long range, ranking second in the MAC. The Flashes have four players averaging in double-figures. Katie Shumate leads the Flashes in scoring at 12.4 points per game. Casey Santoro averages 11.7 points, while Nila Blackford and Lindsey Thall are averaging 11.6 and 11.4 points, respectively. Blackford paces the Flashes in rebounding, averaging 9.4 per game, ranking fifth in the MAC.
Defensively, the Flashes have held their opponents to 70.3 points per game on 42.3 percent shooting from the floor and 35.9 percent from beyond the arc. KSU has 310 turnovers (13.5 turnovers per game) while collecting 144 steals (6.3 steals per game). On the glass, the Flashes have out-rebounded their opponents, 881-745 for a +5.9 margin.
UP NEXT
The Zips will close out their homestand on Monday, Feb. 21 as Akron hosts Ohio at James A. Rhodes Arena. Tip time is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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