The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
19-6,11-1MAC
Buffalo
3-22,1-11MAC
Five Zips Score In Double-Figures in 73-62 Win At Buffalo
February 17 | Men's Basketball
BUFFALO, N.Y. -The Akron men's basketball team shot 58.1 percent in the second half while holding Buffalo to just 16.7 percent from beyond the arc on the way to a 73-62 win over the Bulls on the road Saturday.
The Zips (19-6, 11-1) had five players score in double figures, led by Enrique Freeman, who had a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds. Ali Ali added 15 points and two steals and Greg Tribble chipped in as well with 13 points and four assists.
Akron out-rebounded Buffalo 40-37 in Saturday's game, led by Freeman's 15 boards. The Zips also grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and scored 21 second chance points.
Akron's defense held Buffalo to only 38.3 percent shooting from the field, including 16.7 percent from beyond the arc. The Zips also limited Isaiah Adams to 5-of-17 shooting in the game. The Bulls did not have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with nine offensive rebounds and managed two second chance points while Akron cleared 29 defensive rebounds.
How It Happened
After falling behind 12-10, Akron went on an 8-0 run with 10:50 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Kaleb Thornton, to take an 18-12 lead. The Zips then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 32-26.
Akron narrowed its deficit to 34-29 before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Sammy Hunter's three, to seize a 36-34 lead with 17:50 to go in the contest. The Zips kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 73-62 win. Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 28 of its 47 points in the lane.
Game Notes
» Enrique Freeman notched a double-double for the Zips with 16 points and 15 rebounds.» The Zips held the Bulls to only 38.3 percent shooting from the field.
» Akron had a stellar day defensively, holding Buffalo to 17 percent from beyond the arc on 24 attempts.
» Five Akron players scored 10 or more points.
» Akron had a 40-37 edge on the boards in the win.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Enrique Freeman led the Zips with 16 points.
» Akron got a game-high 15 rebounds from Enrique Freeman.
What's Next?
Akron travels to Toledo to battle the Rockets on Tuesday, February 20 for a 7 pm start.
