Akron Overwhelms Central Michigan, 80-65, fueled by Second-Half Comeback

Wednesday, January 18

Akron, Ohio

7:00 PM

University of Akron

13-3,4-1MAC

Central Michigan

3-13,1-4MAC

Central Mich.

Akron

Akron Overwhelms Central Michigan, 80-65, fueled by Second-Half Comeback

January 18 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

BOXSCORE (PDF)

AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron women's basketball team overcame a 13-point first quarter deficit and closed the contest with a fury, racing past Central Michigan, 80-65, for a comeback Mid-American Conference win on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at James A. Rhodes Arena.

An early deficit was erased behind a dominant effort by senior G Dominique Camp (Dayton, Ohio), who led the Zips (13-3, 4-1 Mid-American Conference) with a game-high 24 points. Sophomore F Reagan Bass (Strongsville, Ohio) also reached double figures with 15 points and five rebounds, while the interior play of senior F Molly Neitzel (Rocky River, Ohio), who recorded her first double-double of the campaign with a 12-point, 11-rebound and three-block performance, was key in the Zips' comeback.

The third quarter was decisive, with Akron outscoring the visitors 27-12 in the frame and building its lead to as many as 14 at the end of the period. Unable to sustain their offensive success, the Chippewas never got closer than 12 points the rest of the way.

For the game, Akron limited Central Michigan to 37.3-percent shooting and forced 13 turnovers, leading to a 20-13 advantage in points off turnovers. The foul line was another area where the Zips dominated, outscoring the Chippewas 27-8 from the charity stripe.

After falling behind early, the Zips closed the opening quarter on a 10-2 run punctuated by a steal and fast-break layup by Camp to narrow Central Michigan's lead to five, 17-12. It was a steady climb back as Akron locked down the Chippewas with solid defense in the second quarter and inched to within one, 31-30, at halftime.

With four blocked shots – three by Neitzel – and 10 forced turnovers in the opening half, it was a strong effort for the MAC's second-ranked scoring defense. Akron took its first lead at 30-29 on a free throw by Camp with 32.7 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Bridget Utberg topped the Chippewas (3-13, 1-4 MAC) with 16 points, while Rochelle Norris added 14 points and 13 rebounds to go along with 14 points from Sydney Harris.

UP NEXT:
Akron heads out on the road on a winning note and will take on Toledo at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21. The broadcast from Savage Arena can be seen on ESPN3, while fans can also listen to the broadcast on Canton's New Country 99.7 FM and follow the live stats at GoZips.com.