The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
5-3,0-0MAC
Bradley
6-3,0-2MVC
Zips Notch Program Win 1,700 - Freeman Records Double-Double in Bounce Back Win
December 05 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio -Â Enrique Freeman notched a double-double with 21 points and 18 rebounds to help the Akron men's basketball team take down the Bradley Braves 67-52 at home Tuesday.
The Zips ended a three-game losing skid as they took down a top-100 squad in the NCAA NET Rankings and the no.10 team in the Mid-Major Top-25 poll.
Akron (5-3) had three players score in double figures, led by Freeman's 21 points and 18 rebound performance. Sammy Hunter tacked on 12 points and Nate Johnson helped out with 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
Hunter, who hit two 3-pointers against the Braves, has made at least one 3-pointer in every game this season.
Led by Freeman's seven offensive rebounds, Akron did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 15 boards that resulted in 18 second-chance points.
Akron was efficient in disrupting Bradley's shots, coming away with five blocks. Freeman's four rejections led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
After jumping out to an 8-7 advantage, Akron went on a 6-0 run with 13:57 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Johnson, to increase its lead to 14-7. The Zips then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 29-28.
Bradley kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 44-41 advantage before Akron went on an 11-0 run, finished off by Shammah Scott's layup, to seize a 52-44 lead with 8:50 to go in the contest. The Zips kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 67-52 win. Akron capitalized on seven Bradley turnovers in the period, collecting 11 points off those turnovers.
Game Notes
- Freeman notched an impressive double-double for the Zips with 21 points and 18 rebounds.
- Freeman has scored 20 or more points four times this season. He's also recorded a double-double six times.
- Akron found success from three-point land, knocking down nine treys in the game
- Akron had a 41-30 edge on the boards in the win.
- The Zips were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording five blocks as a team.
- Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 15 offensive boards in the game.
- Akron got a game-high 18 rebounds from Enrique Freeman.
- The Zips are now 39-1 at home against non-conference foes at the JAR under John Groce. The Zips are also 28-0 since losing to Marshall at the JAR on December 15, 2018.
- Freeman moves to 17th all-time for scoring. He surpassed Jim Fenton (1951-54). Isaiah Johnson (2013-17) is next on the list with 1,374.
- Coach Groce recorded his 121st win as the head coach at Akron. He's four wins away from tying Wyatt Webb (1969-75) for the fourth most wins as the head coach at Akron
What's Next?
The Zips hit the road as they travel to face the Norse of Northern Kentucky on Saturday, December 9 for a 7 pm start.
