The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Canisius
Fourth-Quarter Performance Powers Akron Over Canisius, 53-48
December 30 | Women's Basketball
BOXSCORE (PDF)
BUFFALO, NY - The University of Akron women's basketball team outscored Canisius by five over the final quarter to break open a 37-all tie en route to defeating the Golden Griffins, 53-48, on the road Saturday (Dec. 30).
The Zips had two players score in double figures, led by junior Reagan Bass (Strongsville, Ohio), who posted a game-high 14 points to go along with a team-best eight rebounds. Junior Alexus Mobley (Indianapolis, Ind.) tacked on 12 points, six rebounds, two steals and three blocks, while redshirt senior Morgan Haney (Piqua, Ohio) added nine points, four assists and three steals.
Led by sophomore Liisa Taponen's (Tampere, Finland) three offensive rebounds, Akron did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 10 boards that resulted in five second-chance points.
Akron did a great job disrupting Canisius shots in the contest, coming away with five blocks. Mobley's three rejections led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
After falling behind 2-0, Akron went on a 9-0 run with 7:53 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from junior Kaia Woods (Tiffin, Ohio), to take a 9-2 lead. The Zips then maintained that lead and entered the quarter break with a 13-6 advantage. Akron did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 12 of its 13 points close to the basket.
Akron kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 7-0 run starting at the 9:46 mark in the second period, highlighted by a three from senior Alexis Stewart (Hamilton, Ontario), to increase its lead to 20-6. The Golden Griffins then came roaring back to take a 27-24 lead heading into halftime.
After intermission, Akron cut its deficit to 32-30 before going on a 7-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Taponen, to grab a 37-32 lead with 4:38 to go in the third. The Golden Griffins then rallied to tie it at 37-37 heading into the fourth quarter. Akron played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 13 points in the paint.
Akron kept it close before going on a 5-0 run to seize a 50-45 lead with 1:00 to go in the contest. The Zips held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 53-48 win. Akron took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 16 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Zips outscored Canisius 11-16 in the fourth quarter to break a 37-37 third quarter tie.
» The Zips held the Golden Griffins to only 34.5 percent shooting from the field.
» The Zips forced 21 Canisius turnovers while committing only 11 on the other end.
» The Zips were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying five blocks as a team.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
Up Next
Akron travels to Athens, Ohio for a 7 p.m. tilt on Wednesday (Jan. 3) versus Ohio in the Mid-American Conference opener for both schools.
