Rockets Snap Akron’s Eight-Game Winning Streak

Tuesday, February 7

Akron, Ohio

7 PM

University of Akron

17-7,9-2MAC

Toledo

18-6,9-2MAC

Toledo

Akron

Rockets Snap Akron’s Eight-Game Winning Streak

February 07 | Men's Basketball

Box Score

AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zips dropped an 84-74 decision to the visiting Toledo Rockets, suffering their first home loss of the season and snapping an eight-game winning streak at James A. Rhodes Arena.

Senior guard Xavier Castaneda led Akron with a game-high 23 points, graduate transfer guard Trendon Hankerson contributed 20 and junior forward Enrique Freeman posted 10 points and 12 rebounds in the contest for his 12th double-double.

The Zips (17-7, 9-2 MAC) relied on their Mid-American Conference-leading scoring defense to keep themselves in the game, recording five steals and holding Toledo below its scoring average of 84.9 points per game. Despite foul trouble, Freeman notched his 15th double-digit rebounding effort of the season, maintaining his position as the MAC's top rebounder.

Despite facing deficits throughout the game, Akron battled back time and again, closing to within three (55-52) early in the second half. Later in the frame, a pair of free throws brought the Zips within three, but the Rockets (18-6, 9-2 MAC) were able to prevail down the stretch.

The Zips were able to slow Toledo's offense following a fast start for the visitors, who entered the game leading the MAC in scoring. After posting 19 points in the first 10:18 of the game, the Rockets managed just five in the next 5:43, a span in which they shot 1-of-5 and committed three turnovers. The two teams traded baskets down the stretch heading into the half, with Toledo holding a 36-27 lead at the break.

Senior forward Setric Millner led Toledo with 20 points and sophomore guard Dante Maddox added 19 for the visitors.

Akron returns to action on Feb. 10 in Athens with a road tilt against the Ohio Bobcats. The action tips off at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on CBS Sports Network and heard on WHLO 640-AM.