The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
5-2,0-0MAC
Northern Kentucky
2-6,0-0Horizon
Zips Extend Home Winning Streak to Five With 86-73 Victory Over Northern Kentucky
December 03 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio -The Akron men's basketball team won their fifth straight game at James A. Rhodes Arena while Tavari Johnson and James Okonkwo posted career-highs in scoring to power the Zips past Northern Kentucky, 86-73, on Tuesday.Â
The Zips (5-2) had three players score in double figures, led by Tavari Johnson, who had a career-high 27 points and added five assists. James Okonkwo added a career-high 17 points while going 7-of-7 from the free throw line and Isaiah Gray chipped in with 13 points.
Akron took advantage of excellent ball movement in Tuesday's game, piling up 15 assists on 26 made field goals. Johnson's five assists led the distribution list for the Zips and Nate Johnson also contributed with four assists of his own.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 36-27 advantage, Akron went on a 6-0 run with 5:11 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Tavari Johnson, to increase its lead to 42-27. The Zips then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 46-36 advantage. Akron got a great contribution from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 21 of its 46 total points.
Akron kept its lead intact before going on a 5-0 run to grow the lead to 81-67 with 4:15 to go in the contest. The Norse narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still cruised the rest of the way for the 86-73 win. Akron got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 11 of its 40 total points.
Game Notes
» The Zips shot well from three point range, knocking down 11 of 25 long range attempts.» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Akron tallied 15 total assists in the game.
» The Akron bench came alive by adding 32 points to its scoring output.
» Akron had a 39-23 edge on the boards in the win.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
»T. Johnson and Okonkwo each recorded career-highs in scoring against the Norse.
» Akron got a game-high seven rebounds from Josiah Harris.
What's Next?
The Zips are back home as they host SUNY Brockport on Saturday, December 7 for a 3 p.m. start.
