Akron Battles League-Leading Toledo to Final Buzzer

Wednesday, February 22

Akron, Ohio

7:00 PM

University of Akron

15-11,6-9MAC

Toledo

22-4,13-2MAC

Toledo

Akron

Akron Battles League-Leading Toledo to Final Buzzer

February 22 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

BOXSCORE (PDF) | POST-GAME COMMENTS (PDF)

AKRON, Ohio – Behind a balanced offensive attack powered by red-shot long distance shooting, the University of Akron women's basketball team battled league-leading Toledo to the final buzzer before falling, 80-76, on Wednesday evening at James A. Rhodes Arena.

A driving, twisting layup by redshirt junior G Layne Ferrell (Franklin, Ohio) pulled Akron to within two, 78-76, with just under five seconds left, but the Zips couldn't close the gap before time expired.

Sophomore F Reagan Bass (Strongsville, Ohio) led all scorers with 24 points, while Ferrell tallied 17 and senior G Dominique Camp (Dayton, Ohio) notched 10 for Akron. Ferrell also posted a career-best eight assists and zero turnovers in the affair.

The Zips stood toe-to-toe with the first-place Rockets, countering several offensive bursts by the visitors after intermission.

A clutch corner three-pointer by Martindale midway through the fourth quarter sliced the Toledo lead to four. Bass then brought her squad within three, 71-68, on a free throw moments later to set up the dramatic conclusion as the Rockets were able to hold on for the win.

Akron made a season-high 14 three-pointers and shot 48.3 percent on triples and 47.3 percent overall against a tough Toledo defense that entered the game ranked second in the MAC in points allowed per game.

All five Akron starters connected on multiple threes in the game, helping the Zips (15-11, 6-9 MAC) battle back in the second half.

It was a trend that started from the opening tip as Camp, Martindale, Neitzel and Ferrell drained a combined four consecutive triples to start the game, powering a 12-3 surge out of the gate.

A top-of-the-key three-pointer by Bass moments later gave all five Akron starters a make from long range in the first five minutes of the first quarter. The bench also got in on the long-range shootout and in the opening 10 minutes as the Zips made 8-of-9 triple tries to build a 28-18 lead.

The Rockets (22-4, 13-2 MAC) rallied in the second quarter, but Akron maintained a 38-37 edge at intermission. The two sides combined for 16 made three-pointers in the half and just five fouls in a fast-paced, perimeter-oriented contest. Pinpoint passing was key to Akron's solid half, with assists on 12-of-14 made shots.

Sophia Wiard topped Toledo with 20 points and the Rockets also got 19 from Jayda Jensen.

UP NEXT:
The Zips close out the home portion of their schedule hosting Miami at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. Akron will honor their graduating seniors prior to tip-off. Catch the action on ESPN3 and listen to the broadcast live on WHLO 640-AM.