The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
6-10,1-5MAC
Kent State
11-5,5-1MAC
Akron Falls 69-60 to Rival Kent State
January 20 | Women's Basketball
BOXSCORE (PDF) | PHOTO GALLERY
AKRON, OH - The University of Akron women's basketball team had three players score in double figures led by 15 points from junior Reagan Bass (Strongsville, Ohio), but couldn't overcome rival Kent State, falling 69-60 at James A. Rhodes Arena on Saturday (Jan. 20).
Sophomore Lanae Riley (Akron, Ohio) and junior Kaia Woods (Tiffin, Ohio) each tallied 14 points to spark Akron's bench to 36 points on the afternoon.
Bass finished with a team-high 15 points and six rebounds. Riley tacked on 14 points off of the bench, including a 4-of-4 mark beyond the arc, while Woods chipped with 14 points and three steals.
The Akron offense made its mark from three-point land, pouring in eight threes on 20 attempts. Riley hit four treys for the Zips in the contest.
Akron forced 14 Kent State turnovers. The Zips turned those takeaways into 13 points on the other end of the floor. Junior Zakia Rasheed (Avon, Ind.) led the way individually with three steals.
How It Happened
After falling behind 10-9, Akron went on an 8-0 run with 1:29 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Rasheed, to take a 17-10 lead at the end of the first period. The Zips capitalized on four Kent State turnovers in the period, turning them into six points on the other end of the floor.
The Zips were unable to maintain their lead in the second quarter being outscored 19-9 and entered halftime trailing, 29-26.
Kent State extended its lead after halftime, building a 42-34 advantage before Akron went on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Riley, to trim its deficit to 42-39 with 2:35 to go in the third. Kent State countered and stretched its margin to 48-43 heading into the fourth. Akron took advantage of three Kent State turnovers in the quarter, scoring five points off of takeaways.
Akron was unable to pull any closer in the fourth, losing by a final of 69-60. Akron fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 17 points.
Game Notes
» The Zips shot well from three point range, knocking down eight of 20 long range attempts.
» The Akron bench came alive by adding 36 points to its scoring output.
» Riley and Woods came off the bench to score 14 points apiece.
» Akron lost despite a 33-25 rebounding advantage.
» The Akron defense forced 14 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
Up Next:
Akron travels to Kalamazoo, Mich., for a 7 p.m. tilt versus Western Michigan on Wednesday (Jan. 24)
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