The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
16-5,9-0MAC
Kent State
13-8,4-5MAC
All Akron Starters Hit Double-Digit Scoring in 85-71 Victory Over Kent State
January 31 | Men's Basketball
KENT, Ohio - The Akron men's basketball team saw all five starters score in double figures and knocked off the Kent State Golden Flashes 85-71 on the road Friday.
The Zips have started conference action with nine straight wins for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
In total, six Zips scored in double-figures and marked the 12th game this season that four or more Zips scored in double figures.
The Zips (16-5, 9-0) were led by Nate Johnson, who had 20 points and two steals. Tavari Johnson added 15 points and five assists and James Okonkwo chipped in with a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. This was Okonkwo's fourth double-double of season.
The Akron offense was impressive from beyond the arc, pouring in 11 threes on 27 attempts. Seth Wilson hit three treys for the Zips in the contest. Akron has scored 10 or more 3's 14 times this season.
The Akron defense held Kent State shooters to just 34.9 percent from the field, including 24 percent from three-point range. The Zips also kept VonCameron Davis to 2-of-12 shooting and six points in the game. The Golden Flashes did not get many second opportunities on the offensive end, as they grabbed only eight offensive rebounds and scored 11 second chance points while Akron pulled down 30 defensive rebounds.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 12-7 advantage, Akron went on a 10-0 run with 13:41 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Nate Johnson, to increase its lead to 22-7. The Zips then added two points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 48-31 advantage. Akron got a great contribution from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 18 of its 48 total points.
Akron kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Isaiah Gray's layup, to grow the lead to 67-48 with 11:05 to go in the contest. The Golden Flashes narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still cruised the rest of the way for the 85-71 win. Akron shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting five shots from deep to score 15 of its 37 points.
Game Notes
» James Okonkwo notched a double-double for the Zips with 11 points and 13 rebounds.» The Zips shot well from three point range, knocking down 11 of 27 long range attempts.
» The Zips held the Golden Flashes to only 34.9 percent shooting from the field.
» Akron never trailed on the way to an 85-71 victory.
» Akron tallied 19 total assists in the game.
» Every Akron starter scored in double figures.
» Six Akron players scored 10 or more points.
» Akron had a 41-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Nate Johnson led the Zips with 20 points.
» Akron got a game-high 13 rebounds from James Okonkwo.
What's Next?
Akron return to the JAR to battle Ball State on Tuesday, February 4 for a 7 p.m. start.
