The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
0-1,0-0MAC
Arkansas State
1-0,0-0Sun Belt
Akron Falls to Arkansas State in Overtime
November 04 | Men's Basketball
JONESBORO, Ark. - The Akron men's basketball team went into the half trailing Arkansas State 40-30, fought back from the deficit to tie the game at 72-72 and force overtime, but fell to the Red Wolves 80-75 at First National Bank Arena on NCAA college basketball's opening night.
Josiah Harris, James Okonkwo, Isaiah Gray, Sharron Young, Seth Wilson and Bowen Hardman all played their first game for the Zips.
The Zips (0-1) had three players score in double figures, led by Young, who registered 15 points in his collegiate debut. In 22 minutes of action, Young shot from 75 percent from the field (6 of 8), including a 60 percent showing from downtown (3 of 5) while adding an assist, a steal and a rebound. Harris added 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots and Nate Johnson chipped in 11 points and three steals.
The Akron offense was very productive from three-point land, knocking down 10 threes on 34 attempts. Harris was the most prolific shooter for the Zips, draining three treys in the contest.
The Akron defense was a problem in Monday's game, forcing 15 Arkansas State turnovers while committing 14 miscues. Akron's takeaways turned into 12 points on the offensive end of the floor. Johnson's three steals led the way for the Zips.
How It Happened
Akron struggled out of the gate, falling behind 40-30 in the first half.
Akron narrowed its deficit to 70-63 before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Young's jumper, to even the score at 70 all with 1:22 to go in the contest. Neither team was able to finish the game in regulation and the contest headed to overtime tied (72-72). Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 22 of its 42 points in the lane.
Arkansas State outscored the Zips by five points in the overtime period, finishing with the 80-75 win.
Game Notes
» Akron lit it up from three point land, knocking down 10 treys in the game.» Akron rallied from a 10-point 40-30 halftime deficit to force overtime before ultimately coming up short.
» The Zips shared the ball well, recording an assist on 68 percent of made field goals.
» The Akron bench came alive by adding 35 points to its scoring output.
» The Akron defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
» Sharron Young led the Zips with 15 points.
» Akron got a game-high 12 rebounds from James Okonkwo.
What's Next?
The Zips host Ohio Wesleyan for their home opener at the James A. Rhodes Arena on Friday, November 8 for a 7 p.m. start.
