The University of Akron Athletics
Saturday, February 10
Harrisonburg, VA
6:00 pm
University of Akron
at
James Madison
Zips Travel To James Madison For MAC-SBC Challenge on Saturday
February 09 | Men's Basketball
Akron (18-5, 10-1 Mid-American) at James Madison (21-3, 9-3 Sun Belt)
Saturday, Feb. 10 – Atlantic Union Bank Center – Harrisonburg, Va.
6:00 pm ET – ESPN 2 - WHLO 640
HEAD COACHES
Akron: John Groce | Overall Record: 316-207 | At Akron: 134-75
James Madison: Mark Byington | Overall Record: 209-136 | At James Madison: 71-35
All-Time Series
Akron and James Madison Tied: 1-1 Groce vs. James Madison: 0-0 (0-0 Overall)
First Meeting: Akron 82, JMU 84 December 7, 2002 at JMU
Last Meeting: Akron 78, JMU 70 December 6, 2003 at Akron
In Akron: 1-0 | Neutral: 0-0 | In Harrisonburg: 0-1
Current Streak: 1W
WHAT'S AHEAD
The Akron Zips travel to face the James Madison Dukes on Saturday, February 10 for the third all-time meeting. Akron and James Madison can be viewed on ESPN 2 with Connor Onion and David Padgett on the call. Fans can listen to Akron Sports Radio Network on WHLO 640 AM with Dave Skoczen (PxP) and Joe Dunn (Analyst). Live stats are also available on GoZips.com.
SCOUTING THE DUKES
The Dukes are coming off a narrow 77-73 victory against Arkansas State on February 7 in their most recent contest. JMU is 21-3 overall and 9-3 in the Sun Belt Conference. Currently on a three-game winning streak, the Dukes last lost 82-76 on January 27 on the road at Appalachian State.
James Madison is 11-1 at home this season and was ranked No. 19 nationally earlier this season.
James Madison is 2-1 against common opponents this season. The Dukes have wins over a pair of Mid-American Conference foes in Kent State and Buffalo. JMU took down the Golden Flashes in the first led of the MAC-SBC Challenge 113-108 in double-overtime on November 9. JMU also holds an 81-66 win against Buffalo while falling 81-71 to Southern Mississippi in conference play on January 5.
Terrence Edwards Jr. is one of four Dukes to average double-figure scoring this season and leads the team with 16.7 points per game. T.J. Bickerstaff (13.6), Noah Freidel (12.6), and Julie Wooden (10.2) are all scoring 10 or more points per game. Bickerstaff is leading JMU with 8.8 boards per game while Michael Green III is the assists leader (3.7) and Freidel leads the Dukes in blocks with 16.
JMU leads the Sun Belt Conference in scoring offense (85.3), is 2nd in scoring defense (69.2), is first in scoring margin (16.0), first in team fg% (.476), second in opponent fg% (.415), has the third lowest opponent 3-point% (.293), is first in turnover margin (+4.58), first in assist-turnover ratio (+1.56), is first in assists (17.17), and second in steals (9.58).
The Dukes are 22nd in the country in assist-turnover ratio (+1.55), 21st in assists per game (17.2), 73rd in bench points per game (24.42), 59th in effective fg% (.541), 60th in fastbreak points (12.88), 42nd in fg percentage (.476), 74th in fg defense (.415), 45th in rebound margin (+5.4), 38th in Def. rebounds per game (27.75), 27th in rebounds per game (40.00), 9th in scoring margin (+16.0), 8th in scoring offense (85.2), 14th in steals per game (9.6), 18th in 3-point defense (.258), 67th in 3-pointers made per game (8.7), 11th in turnover margin (+4.5), 17th in turnovers forced per game (15.58), and 95th in fewest turnovers per game (11.0).
ZIPS AT A GLANCE
Akron is on a three-game winning streak after taking down Central Michigan 68-47 on February 6. Overall, Akron is 18-5 and 10-1 in the Mid-American Conference.
The Zips' 68 points were the second fewest scored in a win this season while the 47 points allowed were the third fewest the Zips have allowed this season.
The Blue and Gold held CMU to 16 percent from beyond the arc while being led offensively by Greg Tribble and Enrique Freeman's 17-point efforts. Tavari Johnson also scored in double-figures.
Freeman leads the Zips with 18.5 points per game. 13.0 rebounds per game and 35 total blocks. Ali Ali joins Freeman in double-figure scoring with 15.7 per game.
The Zips were ranked No. 2 in the Mid-Major Top-25 poll earlier this season.
Akron holds the MAC's top scoring defense (64.3, best scoring margin (+11.6), lowest opponent FG% (.422), lowest opponent 3pt fg% (.302), most 3pt fg made per game (8.7), lowest combined Opponent rebounds (31.3), highest rebound margin (+5.6), and second highest team FG% (.463).
Akron is 68th in the country in effective fg percentage (.539), 91st in fg percentage (.463), 94th in free throw percentage (.735), 42nd in rebound margin (+5.6), 94th in Def. rebounds per game (26.48), 19th in scoring defense (64.3), 33rd in scoring margin (11.6), 29th in three-point defense (.302), and 65th in three-pointers made per game (8.7).
INSIDE THE SERIES
The Zips and Dukes are set to battle for the first time since 2003 when the two teams meet for just the third time on February 10.
Akron and James Madison are both 1-0 on their home court. The Dukes won the first ever meeting 84-82 in Harrisonburg, Va., on December 7, 2002, that saw the Zips put up 51 points in the second half. John Hollingsworth and Derrick Tarver led the way for Akron with 26 points each. The pair combined for 16 made shots while Tarver went 11-of-14 from the free throw line.
The Zips would avenge their loss the next season at home on December 6, 2003, when the Blue and Gold won 78-70 at James A. Rhodes Arena. Tarver and Jeremiah Wood would lead the scoring for Akron with 18 points each while Andy Hipshire joined the double-figure scoring party with 15. Tarver went 10-of-13 from the line, Wood's went 4-of-5, and Hipsher was 8-of-12 from the charity stripe.
LAST TIME AGAINST JAMES MADISON (DEC. 6, 2003)
AKRON, Ohio (AP) - Jeremiah Wood and Rick McFadden each scored four points in a 12-0 second-half run to lead Akron to a 78-70 victory over James Madison.
Wood and Derrick Tarver each scored 18 points for the Zips (3-1), with Andy Hipsher adding 15.
The Zips' lead was cut to 42-39 on Ray Barbosa's layup with 15:13 left. But Akron held James Madison (2-3) scoreless for the next four minutes.
McFadden -- a former Ohio State football player -- started the spurt with a 3-pointer and Wood capped it with a dunk off John Hollingsworth's assist. Wood had a basket and two free thorws and
Hipsher and Rob Preston each added a bucket. Dwayne Broyles scored 24 points, Chris Cathlin 15 and Barbosa 12 for James Madison.
The Dukes drew within 73-68 on Broyles' 3-pointer with 34 seconds left. However, Tarver -- who hit 10 of 13 free throws -- made two foul shots and later added another one as the Zips held on. Akron had a 37-33 edge on the boards, led by Wood's eight.
ON THE ROAD
Akron is 6-2 in true road games this season. The Zips have posted wins over South Dakota State (81-75), Northern Kentucky (77-76), NIU (73-51), Ball State (80-76), Kent State (77-71), and 77-46 at Eastern Michigan while falling to UNLV (72-70) and Miami (OH) (70-68).
THE DOUBLE-DOUBLE MACHINE
Freeman has 20 double-doubles this season, ranking 1st in the NCAA, and is the only player in the MAC to average a double-double. He is 1-of-12 players in Div. I to average a double-double and has recorded 20+ points and 10+ rebounds 11 times. Freeman recorded 11 consecutive double-doubles from Nov. 28 to Jan. 16 and has record five straight since Jan. 23.
Additionally, he ranks 81st in total blocks (35), 86th in blocks per game (1.52), 25th in fg% (.597), 49th in fg made (151), 25th in free throws attempted (158), 36th in made free throws (113), 62nd in total points (426), 72nd in points per game (18.5), 1st in total rebounds (298), 2nd in def. rpg (9.57), 21st in off. rpg (3.39) and 1st in rebounds per game (13.0).
THE FINAL 10
Akron senior forward Enrique Freeman was one of 10 finalists for the 2024 Karl Malone Award as announced by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on February 1. The annual honor is in its tenth year and recognizes the top power forwards in Division I men's college basketball.
In March, five finalists will be presented to Malone and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The Selection Committee for the Karl Malone Award is composed of top men's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Zips travel to Buffalo to resume #MACtion on February 17 for a 2 pm start.
Saturday, Feb. 10 – Atlantic Union Bank Center – Harrisonburg, Va.
6:00 pm ET – ESPN 2 - WHLO 640
HEAD COACHES
Akron: John Groce | Overall Record: 316-207 | At Akron: 134-75
James Madison: Mark Byington | Overall Record: 209-136 | At James Madison: 71-35
All-Time Series
Akron and James Madison Tied: 1-1 Groce vs. James Madison: 0-0 (0-0 Overall)
First Meeting: Akron 82, JMU 84 December 7, 2002 at JMU
Last Meeting: Akron 78, JMU 70 December 6, 2003 at Akron
In Akron: 1-0 | Neutral: 0-0 | In Harrisonburg: 0-1
Current Streak: 1W
WHAT'S AHEAD
The Akron Zips travel to face the James Madison Dukes on Saturday, February 10 for the third all-time meeting. Akron and James Madison can be viewed on ESPN 2 with Connor Onion and David Padgett on the call. Fans can listen to Akron Sports Radio Network on WHLO 640 AM with Dave Skoczen (PxP) and Joe Dunn (Analyst). Live stats are also available on GoZips.com.
SCOUTING THE DUKES
The Dukes are coming off a narrow 77-73 victory against Arkansas State on February 7 in their most recent contest. JMU is 21-3 overall and 9-3 in the Sun Belt Conference. Currently on a three-game winning streak, the Dukes last lost 82-76 on January 27 on the road at Appalachian State.
James Madison is 11-1 at home this season and was ranked No. 19 nationally earlier this season.
James Madison is 2-1 against common opponents this season. The Dukes have wins over a pair of Mid-American Conference foes in Kent State and Buffalo. JMU took down the Golden Flashes in the first led of the MAC-SBC Challenge 113-108 in double-overtime on November 9. JMU also holds an 81-66 win against Buffalo while falling 81-71 to Southern Mississippi in conference play on January 5.
Terrence Edwards Jr. is one of four Dukes to average double-figure scoring this season and leads the team with 16.7 points per game. T.J. Bickerstaff (13.6), Noah Freidel (12.6), and Julie Wooden (10.2) are all scoring 10 or more points per game. Bickerstaff is leading JMU with 8.8 boards per game while Michael Green III is the assists leader (3.7) and Freidel leads the Dukes in blocks with 16.
JMU leads the Sun Belt Conference in scoring offense (85.3), is 2nd in scoring defense (69.2), is first in scoring margin (16.0), first in team fg% (.476), second in opponent fg% (.415), has the third lowest opponent 3-point% (.293), is first in turnover margin (+4.58), first in assist-turnover ratio (+1.56), is first in assists (17.17), and second in steals (9.58).
The Dukes are 22nd in the country in assist-turnover ratio (+1.55), 21st in assists per game (17.2), 73rd in bench points per game (24.42), 59th in effective fg% (.541), 60th in fastbreak points (12.88), 42nd in fg percentage (.476), 74th in fg defense (.415), 45th in rebound margin (+5.4), 38th in Def. rebounds per game (27.75), 27th in rebounds per game (40.00), 9th in scoring margin (+16.0), 8th in scoring offense (85.2), 14th in steals per game (9.6), 18th in 3-point defense (.258), 67th in 3-pointers made per game (8.7), 11th in turnover margin (+4.5), 17th in turnovers forced per game (15.58), and 95th in fewest turnovers per game (11.0).
ZIPS AT A GLANCE
Akron is on a three-game winning streak after taking down Central Michigan 68-47 on February 6. Overall, Akron is 18-5 and 10-1 in the Mid-American Conference.
The Zips' 68 points were the second fewest scored in a win this season while the 47 points allowed were the third fewest the Zips have allowed this season.
The Blue and Gold held CMU to 16 percent from beyond the arc while being led offensively by Greg Tribble and Enrique Freeman's 17-point efforts. Tavari Johnson also scored in double-figures.
Freeman leads the Zips with 18.5 points per game. 13.0 rebounds per game and 35 total blocks. Ali Ali joins Freeman in double-figure scoring with 15.7 per game.
The Zips were ranked No. 2 in the Mid-Major Top-25 poll earlier this season.
Akron holds the MAC's top scoring defense (64.3, best scoring margin (+11.6), lowest opponent FG% (.422), lowest opponent 3pt fg% (.302), most 3pt fg made per game (8.7), lowest combined Opponent rebounds (31.3), highest rebound margin (+5.6), and second highest team FG% (.463).
Akron is 68th in the country in effective fg percentage (.539), 91st in fg percentage (.463), 94th in free throw percentage (.735), 42nd in rebound margin (+5.6), 94th in Def. rebounds per game (26.48), 19th in scoring defense (64.3), 33rd in scoring margin (11.6), 29th in three-point defense (.302), and 65th in three-pointers made per game (8.7).
INSIDE THE SERIES
The Zips and Dukes are set to battle for the first time since 2003 when the two teams meet for just the third time on February 10.
Akron and James Madison are both 1-0 on their home court. The Dukes won the first ever meeting 84-82 in Harrisonburg, Va., on December 7, 2002, that saw the Zips put up 51 points in the second half. John Hollingsworth and Derrick Tarver led the way for Akron with 26 points each. The pair combined for 16 made shots while Tarver went 11-of-14 from the free throw line.
The Zips would avenge their loss the next season at home on December 6, 2003, when the Blue and Gold won 78-70 at James A. Rhodes Arena. Tarver and Jeremiah Wood would lead the scoring for Akron with 18 points each while Andy Hipshire joined the double-figure scoring party with 15. Tarver went 10-of-13 from the line, Wood's went 4-of-5, and Hipsher was 8-of-12 from the charity stripe.
LAST TIME AGAINST JAMES MADISON (DEC. 6, 2003)
AKRON, Ohio (AP) - Jeremiah Wood and Rick McFadden each scored four points in a 12-0 second-half run to lead Akron to a 78-70 victory over James Madison.
Wood and Derrick Tarver each scored 18 points for the Zips (3-1), with Andy Hipsher adding 15.
The Zips' lead was cut to 42-39 on Ray Barbosa's layup with 15:13 left. But Akron held James Madison (2-3) scoreless for the next four minutes.
McFadden -- a former Ohio State football player -- started the spurt with a 3-pointer and Wood capped it with a dunk off John Hollingsworth's assist. Wood had a basket and two free thorws and
Hipsher and Rob Preston each added a bucket. Dwayne Broyles scored 24 points, Chris Cathlin 15 and Barbosa 12 for James Madison.
The Dukes drew within 73-68 on Broyles' 3-pointer with 34 seconds left. However, Tarver -- who hit 10 of 13 free throws -- made two foul shots and later added another one as the Zips held on. Akron had a 37-33 edge on the boards, led by Wood's eight.
ON THE ROAD
Akron is 6-2 in true road games this season. The Zips have posted wins over South Dakota State (81-75), Northern Kentucky (77-76), NIU (73-51), Ball State (80-76), Kent State (77-71), and 77-46 at Eastern Michigan while falling to UNLV (72-70) and Miami (OH) (70-68).
THE DOUBLE-DOUBLE MACHINE
Freeman has 20 double-doubles this season, ranking 1st in the NCAA, and is the only player in the MAC to average a double-double. He is 1-of-12 players in Div. I to average a double-double and has recorded 20+ points and 10+ rebounds 11 times. Freeman recorded 11 consecutive double-doubles from Nov. 28 to Jan. 16 and has record five straight since Jan. 23.
Additionally, he ranks 81st in total blocks (35), 86th in blocks per game (1.52), 25th in fg% (.597), 49th in fg made (151), 25th in free throws attempted (158), 36th in made free throws (113), 62nd in total points (426), 72nd in points per game (18.5), 1st in total rebounds (298), 2nd in def. rpg (9.57), 21st in off. rpg (3.39) and 1st in rebounds per game (13.0).
THE FINAL 10
Akron senior forward Enrique Freeman was one of 10 finalists for the 2024 Karl Malone Award as announced by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on February 1. The annual honor is in its tenth year and recognizes the top power forwards in Division I men's college basketball.
In March, five finalists will be presented to Malone and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The Selection Committee for the Karl Malone Award is composed of top men's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Zips travel to Buffalo to resume #MACtion on February 17 for a 2 pm start.
Players Mentioned
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