The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
2-0,0-0MAC
Southern Mississippi
1-1,0-0Sun Belt
Akron earns 72-54 victory against Southern Miss - Coach Groce Notches Career win 300
November 10 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, OH --The Akron men's basketball team took a 33-31 lead over Southern Miss into the halftime break, and never trailed from there on the way to a 72-54 win over the Golden Eagles at home Friday.
The Zips (2-0) had three players score in double figures, led by Nate Johnson, who had 17 points. Enrique Freeman added 13 points, eight rebounds and three steals and Greg Tribble chipped in as well with 13 points and six rebounds.
Akron forced 15 Southern Miss turnovers and turned those into 20 points on the offensive end of the floor. Freeman's three steals led the way for Akron.
How It Happened
After falling behind 13-6, Akron went on a 7-0 run with 11:53 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Sammy Hunter, to tie the game at 13. The Zips then proceeded to grab a 33-31 lead heading into halftime. Akron got a great contribution from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 11 of its 33 total points.
Akron kept its lead intact before going on a 17-0 run, finished off by Tribble's three, to grow the lead to 72-54 with 26 seconds to go in the contest, The Zips held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 72-54 win. Akron capitalized on eight Southern Miss turnovers in the period, collecting 14 points off those turnovers.
Game Notes
- Akron found success from three point land, knocking down nine treys in the game.
- Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
- The Akron defense forced 15 turnovers.
- Nate Johnson led the Zips with 17 points.
- Akron got a game-high eight rebounds from Enrique Freeman.
- Coach Groce recorded his 300th career victory and 118th leading the Zips.
- Akron now has 457 wins at the JAR with its victory over Southern Miss.
- Freeman is now up to 1,217 career points, putting him tied for 23rd all-time.
The Zips return to the JAR on Tuesday, November 14 for a 7:30 p.m. start with Heidelburg.
