The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
4-3,0-0MAC
UNLV
3-3,0-0Mountain West
Akron's Late Rally Falls Short In 72-70 Loss To UNLV
November 29 | Men's Basketball
LAS VEGAS, Nev. --The Akron men's basketball team put together a comeback late in Tuesday's game, outscoring UNLV 14-5 in the final five minutes, but ultimately came up short as they fell to the Rebels 72-70.
The Zips (4-3) had three players score in double figures, led by Enrique Freeman, who had a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds. His double-double against UNLV is his fifth of the season.
Freeman has scored 20 or more points three times this season while the Zips now have had a player scorer 20+ in four games this season.
Sammy Hunter tacked on 15 points from the bench and Mikal Dawson helped out with 14 points. Hunter recorded his third double figure scoring performance and second time scoring 15 or more points in a game. Dawson had his fourth double figure scoring game of the season.
Akron utilized great ball movement in Tuesday's game, piling up 19 assists on 25 made field goals. Nate Johnson's six assists led the distribution list for the Zips.
The Akron defense caused its share of mistakes in Tuesday's game, forcing 15 UNLV turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 13 points on the other end of the floor. Johnson's four steals led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
Akron struggled out of the gate, falling behind 41-31 heading into halftime.
UNLV kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 55-37 advantage before Akron went on an 8-0 run, finished off by Dawson's three, to shrink the deficit to 55-45 with 11:07 to go in the contest. The Zips kept their comeback going, but UNLV managed to hold on for the 72-70 win. Akron got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 18 of its 39 total points.
Game Notes
- The Zips shot well from three-point range, knocking down eight of 18 long-range attempts.
- The Zips put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 76 percent of made baskets.
- The Akron bench came alive by scoring 24 points to its scoring output.
- Akron lost despite a 32-29 rebounding advantage.
- The Akron defense forced 15 turnovers.
- The Zips were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying six blocks as a team.
- Enrique Freeman led the Zips with a game-high 22 points.
- Akron got a game-high 13 rebounds from Freeman.
What's Next?
The Zips return to Akron to host Bradley on December 5.
