The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
8-5,1-0MAC
Bowling Green
5-8,0-1MAC
Zips Comeback from 13 Down to Defeat Bowling Green to Begin Conference Play
January 03 | Men's Basketball
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - After trailing by as many as 13 points, the Akron men's basketball team defeated the Bowling Green Falcons 71-68 on the Road Friday behind clutch 3-point shots from Shammah Scott and Isaiah Gray to take the lead late in the contest.
The Zips' bench was a key contributor in the win, supplying 41 points against the Falcons
Akron (8-5, 1-0) had three players score in double figures, led by Sharron Young, who had 17 points and two steals. Scott added 11 points off of the bench and Gray chipped in with 10 points.
The Akron defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Friday's game, forcing 15 Bowling Green turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 22 points on the other end of the floor. Nate Johnson's two steals led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
After falling behind 17-4, Akron went on an 8-0 run with 13:00 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Tavari Johnson, to narrow its deficit to 17-12. The Zips continued to close the gap, cutting the Bowling Green lead to 32-30 by the end of the first half.
Bowling Green kept widening its lead after intermission, constructing a 65-62 advantage before Akron went on a 6-0 run, finished off by Gray's three, to seize a 68-65 lead with 1:10 to go in the contest. The Zips held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 71-68 win. Akron shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting six shots from deep to score 18 of its 41 points.
Game Notes
» Akron found success from beyond the arc, knocking down 12 treys in the game.» The Zips held the Falcons to only 34.8 percent shooting from the field.
» Akron recorded 15 total assists in the game.
» The Akron bench came alive by adding 41 points to its scoring output.
» Sharron Young and Shammah Scott came off the bench to score 17 and 11 points, respectively.
» The Akron defense forced 15 turnovers.
» The Zips were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording six blocks as a team.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
» Sharron Young led the Zips with 17 points.
» Akron got a team-high nine rebounds from James Okonkwo.
What's Next?
The Zips host Central Michigan for the conference home opener on Tuesday, Janaury 7 for a 7 p.m. start.
