The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
9-3,1-0MAC
Eastern Michigan
6-6,0-1MAC
Johnson scores 25; Lyles and Evan Mahaffey Record Double-Doubles in 93-72 Victory Over EMU
December 19 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio - Tavari Johnson led the Zips with 25 points while Amani Lyles and Evan Mahaffey both recorded double-doubles to help lead the Akron men's basketball team to a 93-72 victory over Eastern Michigan at home on Friday.
Akron has now won their last eight Mid-American Conference openers under John Groce and are 26-8 in MAC openers since joining the conference in 1992. The Zips have also posted victories in 22-straight home games.
The Zips (9-3, 1-0) had three players score in double figures, led by Johnson, who had 25 points, five assists and four steals. Lyles tacked on a double-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds while adding four assists and two blocks. Evan Mahaffey chipped in with a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while adding four assists and one steal.
Akron recorded a season-high 70 points in the paint.
Akron out-rebounded Eastern Michigan 44-36 in Friday's game, paced by Lyles' 12 boards. The Zips also pulled down 14 offensive rebounds and scored 18 second chance points.
The Akron defense held Eastern Michigan shooters to just 39.1 percent from the field, including 26.3 percent from three-point range.
Akron shared the ball well against the Eagles, recording 22 assists on 39 made baskets. Tavari Johnson led the Zips with five assists while Lyles and Mahaffey added four assists each.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 32-27 advantage, Akron went on an 8-0 run with 5:08 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Bowen Hardman, to increase its lead to 40-27. The Zips then added one point to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 48-34 advantage. Akron did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 34 of its 48 points close to the basket.
Following intermission, Akron kept widening that lead, expanding it to 74-53 before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Lyles' layup, to grow the lead to 81-53 with 6:11 to go in the contest. The Eagles narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still cruised the rest of the way for the 93-72 win. Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 36 of its 45 points in the lane.
Game Notes
» Akron got double-doubles from both Amani Lyles and Evan Mahaffey.» The Zips held the Eagles to only 39.1 percent shooting from the field.
» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Akron tallied 22 total assists in the game.
» Akron had a 44-36 edge on the boards in the win.
» Akron turned the ball over eight times while dishing out 22 assists.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
» Tavari Johnson led the Zips with 25 points.
» Amani Lyles nabbed a game-high 12 rebounds to lead Akron and Evan Mahaffey contributed 10.
What's Next?
Akron returns to James A. Rhodes Arena on Monday, December 29 when Concord comes to town for a 7 p.m. start.
