Akron Defeats Miami 66-55, Freeman Collects 11th Double-Double

Friday, February 4

Akron, Ohio

6:30 PM

University of Akron

14-6,7-3MAC

Miami

9-12,3-7MAC

Miami (OH)

Akron

Akron Defeats Miami 66-55, Freeman Collects 11th Double-Double

February 04 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Akron Defeats Miami 66-55, Freeman Collects 11th Double-Double
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AKRON, Ohio – Defense won the day as the Akron Zips claimed a 66-55 win over the visiting Miami RedHawks on a nationally televised game on CBS Sports Network Friday night at James A. Rhodes Arena, winning for the fifth time in their last six outings.

It was a physical, scrappy contest throughout and while the Akron offense took time to find its footing, the defense locked down the RedHawks and held the visitors to 38.6-percent shooting on the night to improve to 14-6 and 7-3 in Mid-American Conference play.

Sophomore forward Enrique Freeman (Cleveland, Ohio) led the Zips with 21 points, 13 rebounds and a game-high three blocked shots, recording his MAC-best 11th double-double of the campaign. Junior guard Xavier Castaneda (Chicago, Ill.) tallied 11 points and sophomore forward Ali Ali (Kendallville, Ind.) contributed 10 points and four assists in the win.

Akron seized control of the game with a 10-0 run over a 2:23 span in the second half. Three pointers by Castaneda and freshman guard Garvin Clarke punctuated the run, leaving Akron with a 46-37 edge. Sensing a chance to put the game away, the Zips expanded their lead to as many as 15 in the second half, coasting to victory.

Freeman led a staunch defensive effort that saw Akron hold the RedHawks (9-12, 3-7 MAC) to 7-of-21 marksmanship from 3-point range and junior forward Michael Wynn (Albany, N.Y.) stepped up as a stopper on numerous occasions, including back-to-back steals and an ensuing fastbreak layup midway through the second stanza and adding a blocked shot as well.

Rebounding was central to Akron's defensive dominance as it posted a 40-26 edge on the glass and held Miami to just seven offensive rebounds with seven second-chance points. A 38-26 edge on points in the paint further underscored the hosts' dominance down low.

Junior guard Dae Dae Grant led Miami with 20 points in the loss, with senior guard Mekhi Lairy contributing 12.

The return matchup between the two sides won't have to wait long, as the Zips will travel to Oxford for a road showdown on Sunday, Feb. 6. Tip-off from Millett Hall is slated for 4 p.m. and the game will air on ESPN3.