The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
21-8,13-3MAC
Northern Illinois
10-19,4-12MAC
Freeman And Ali Lead Akron Past NIU on Senior Day, 80-73
March 02 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio, Enrique Freeman notched a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds; while Ali Ali scored 17, which included his 1,000th point as a Zip, to help the Akron men's basketball team beat the Northern Illinois Huskies 80-73 at home Saturday.
In addition to Freeman's impressive performance, the Zips (21-8, 13-3) were led by Ali Ali, who had 17 points, six rebounds and four assists, and by Kaleb Thornton, who added six points and two steals.
Freeman pulled down five offensive rebounds to lead the Akron offense which grabbed 14 offensive boards and turned them into 22 second chance points.
How It Happened
After falling behind 23-18, Akron went on a 7-0 run with 6:49 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Freeman, to take a 25-23 lead. The Zips then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 37-34.
After intermission, Akron managed to gain control and had a 55-53 lead before going on an 8-0 run, finished off by Ryan Prather Jr.'s three, to grow the lead to 63-53 with 8:07 to go in the contest. The Huskies narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still cruised the rest of the way for the 80-73 win.
Game Notes
» Enrique Freeman notched an impressive double-double for the Zips with 22 points and 11 rebounds.» Akron found success from three point land, knocking down nine treys in the game.
» Akron recorded 15 total assists in the game.
» Akron had a 41-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
» Enrique Freeman led the Zips with 22 points.
» Akron got a game-high 11 rebounds from Enrique Freeman.
What's Next?
The Zips stay at James A. Rhodes Arena to face Eastern Michigan on Tuesday, March 5.
