The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
16-5,8-1MAC
Eastern Michigan
9-12,2-7MAC
Nine Zips Score In 77-46 Victory Over Eastern Michigan
January 30 | Men's Basketball
YPSILANTI, Mich --The Akron men's basketball team kept Eastern Michigan to just 10.5 percent from 3-point range in a 2-for-19 shooting performance on the way to a 77-46 victory against the Eagles on the road Tuesday.
Nine Zips recorded points in the road victory.
The Zips (16-5, 8-1) had three players score in double figures, led by Enrique Freeman, who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Sammy Hunter added 12 points and Tavari Johnson chipped in as well with 12 points off the bench.
Akron grabbed 41 rebounds in Tuesday's game compared to Eastern Michigan's 21, led by Freeman's 11 boards. The Zips also cleaned up the offensive glass, turning 11 rebounds into seven second chance points.
The Akron defense held Eastern Michigan shooters to only 36 percent from the field, including 10.5 percent from three-point range. The Eagles did not get many second opportunities on the offensive end, as they grabbed only three offensive rebounds and scored three second chance points while Akron pulled down 30 defensive rebounds.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 34-20 advantage, Akron went on an 8-0 run with 2:41 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Shammah Scott, to increase its lead to 42-20. The Zips then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 42-23 advantage. Akron did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 26 of its 42 points close to the basket.
Following intermission, Akron kept widening that lead, expanding it to 64-40 before going on a 6-0 run to grow the lead to 70-40 with 3:07 to go in the contest. The Zips kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 77-46 win. Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 24 of its 35 points in the lane.
Game Notes
» Enrique Freeman notched a double-double for the Zips with 17 points and 11 rebounds.» The Zips held the Eagles to only 36 percent shooting from the field.
» Akron never trailed on the way to a 77-46 victory.
» Akron had a great day defensively, holding Eastern Michigan to 11 percent from three point land on 19 attempts.
» The Akron bench made an impact by scoring 29 points to its scoring output.
» Akron had a 41-21 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Akron defense forced 14 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Enrique Freeman led the Zips with a game-high 17 points.
» Akron got a game-high 11 rebounds from Enrique Freeman.
What's Next
The Zips return home to battle the Toledo Rockets on Friday, February 2 for a 9 pm start. Akron and Toledo will be featured on ESPN 2 while fans can also listen to WHLO 640 AM.
