The University of Akron Athletics
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Zips Defeat FIU 77-71 To Begin Cayman Island Classic - Freeman Records 1,000th Career Rebound
November 19 | Men's Basketball
GEORGETOWN, Cayman Islands -- The Akron men's basketball team defeated Florida International 77-71 behind a 27-point performance from Enrique Freeman on Sunday in the opening round of the Cayman Island Classic.
The Zips are off to their best start in the Div. I era after winning four straight to begin the 2023-24 season. The 2015-16 squad began the season 3-0 while going 13-2 in their first 15 games of the season.
Akron (4-0) had two players score in double figures, led by Freeman, who put together a double-double with 27 points and 14 rebounds. Nate Johnson tacked on 10 points and two steals and Kaleb Thornton added eight points.
Akron out-rebounded Florida International 41-23 where the Zips were led by Freeman's 14 boards. The Zips also collected 15 offensive rebounds and scored nine second chance points.
How It Happened
After falling behind 25-23, Akron went on a 10-0 run with 6:21 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Shammah Scott, to take a 33-25 lead. The Zips then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 35-28 advantage. Akron did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 18 of its 35 points close to the basket.
Florida International proceeded to take a 65-64 lead late in the second half before Akron went on a 10-0 run to seize a 74-65 lead with 23 seconds to go in the contest. The Panthers narrowed the margin before the game was over, but the Zips still cruised the rest of the way for the 77-71 win. Akron shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting six shots from deep to score 18 of its 42 points.
Game Notes
- Enrique Freeman notched an impressive double-double for the Zips with a team-high 27 points and 14 rebounds.
- Freeman has recorded double-doubles in three games this season.
- Freeman recorded his 1,000th career rebound against the Panthers. He is just the sixth player in program history to record 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in his career.
- The Zips shot well from three point range, knocking down 10-of-25 long range attempts.
- Akron recorded 16 total assists in the game.
- Akron had a 41-23 edge on the boards in the win.
- The Akron defense forced 19 turnovers.
- Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 15 offensive boards in the game.
Akron will face Utah State in the next round of the Cayman Island Classic on Monday for a 7:30 pm start. The Aggies defeated Marshall 83-60 earlier in the day on Sunday.
