The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
1-0,0-0MAC
James Madison
0-1,0-0Sun Belt
Lyles' Career Night Powers Akron Past JMU on Opening Night
November 03 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio - Amani Lyles dropped a career-high 22 points, with 16 coming in the second half, as the Akron men's basketball team rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat James Madison 85-71 at James A. Rhodes Arena.Â
The Zips (1-0) had four players score in double figures, led by Lyles, who had 22 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Shammah Scott added 17 points and Tavari Johnson chipped in with 14 points and two steals.
Led by Evan Mahaffey's four offensive rebounds, Akron did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 15 boards that resulted in 19 second chance points.
The Akron defense caused its share of mistakes in Monday's game, forcing 19 James Madison turnovers while committing eight. Those takeaways turned into 28 points on the offensive end of the floor. Mahaffey's four steals led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
After falling behind 5-0, Akron went on a 13-0 run with 18:52 left in the first half to take a 13-5 lead. The Zips then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 39-30.
After intermission, Akron managed to gain control and had a 76-71 lead before going on a 9-0 run, finished off by Scott's three, to grow the lead to 85-71 with 18 seconds to go in the contest, The Zips held onto that lead for the rest of the game for the 85-71 win. Akron capitalized on nine James Madison turnovers in the period, collecting 14 points off those turnovers.
Game Notes
» Akron lit it up from three point land, knocking down eight treys in the game.
» The Zips held the Dukes to only 39.3 percent shooting from the field.
» The Zips forced 19 James Madison turnovers while committing only eight on the other end.
» Akron had a 41-36 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Akron defense forced 19 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 15 offensive boards in the game.
» Amani Lyles led the Zips with a game-high 22 points.
» Akron got a game-high eight rebounds from Lyles.
What's Next?
Akron returns to James A. Rhodes Arena on Saturday, November 8 when Princeton comes to the Rubber City for a 12 p.m. start
