The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
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South Dakota State
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Five Zips Score in Double Digits in Akron's 81-75 Win Over South Dakota State
November 06 | Men's Basketball
BROOKINGS, SD -Â Five Zips scored at least 10 points as the Akron men's basketball handed South Dakota State just their 10th home loss since the 2011-12 season with a 81-75 road victory to begin the 2023-24 season.
The Zips (1-0) were led by Mikal Dawson's 19 points. Sammy Hunter added 16 points and Enrique Freeman helped out with a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
Akron won the rebound battle, collecting 36 rebounds compared to South Dakota State's 26, led by Freeman's 14 boards. The Zips also cleaned up the offensive glass, turning 13 rebounds into 13 second chance points.
How It Happened
After falling behind 24-15, Akron went on a 9-0 run with 8:04 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Hunter, to tie the game at 24. The Zips then proceeded to grab a 39-37 lead heading into halftime. Akron relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down six shots to account for 18 of its 39 points.
Akron kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run to grow the lead to 80-73 with 11 seconds to go in the contest. The Jackrabbits narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still cruised the rest of the way for the 81-75 win. Akron got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 13 of its 42 total points.
Game Notes
- Enrique Freeman notched a double-double for the Zips with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
- The Zips shot well from three point range, knocking down 11 of 27 long range attempts.
- The Akron bench made an impact by scoring 26 points.
- Five Akron players scored 10 or more points.
- Akron had a 36-26 edge on the boards in the win.
- Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
- Akron got a game-high 14 rebounds from Freeman.
- Head coach John Groce collected hsi 299th career win.
The Akron Zips return home as they host Southern Miss on November 10 as part of the MAC-SBC Challenge.Â
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