The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
7-2,0-0MAC
Bucknell
2-8,0-0Patriot
Lyles and Johnson Lead Akron Past Bucknell, 97-77
December 03 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio - Amani Lyles collected 24 points and Tavari Johnson added 23 as the Akron men's basketball team knocked off the Bucknell Bison 97-77 at home Wednesday.
Lyles and Johnson's stellar scoring performances led the Zips (7-2) in the contest. Lyles tacked on five rebounds and four assists and Johnson added five assists. Evan Mahaffey also helped out with 10 points and four assists.
Akron utilized excellent ball movement in Wednesday's game, piling up 25 assists on 35 made field goals. Individually, Sharron Young was on top of the distribution list for the Zips with six assists. In total, five Zips recorded four or more assists, with Shammah Scott and Johnson following close behind Young with five each. Lyles and Mahaffey each had four helpers.
Akron moves to 58-4 under John Groce when recording 85 or more points, along with a 32-0 record when recording 20 or more assists in a game under Groce.
The Zips also recorded their 21st consecutive win at James A. Rhodes Arena and have won the past 41 non-conference matchups at the JAR.
How It Happened
After playing to a 34-34 tie, Akron went on a 7-0 run with 3:42 left in the first half to take a 41-34 lead. The Zips then added six points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 49-36 advantage. Akron took advantage of seven offensive rebounds to score nine second-chance points out of 49 total in the period
Akron kept its lead intact before going on an 11-0 run, finished off by Johnson's three, to grow the lead to 60-42 with 15:07 to go in the contest. The Zips kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 97-77 win. Akron got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 14 of its 48 total points.
Game Notes
» The Zips shot well from three-point range, knocking down 12 of 29 long-range attempts.
» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» The Zips put on a passing clinic, recording an assist on 71 percent of made baskets.
» Akron had a 38-37 edge on the boards in the win.
» Akron turned the ball over five times while dishing out 25 assists.
» Amani Lyles had a game-high 24 points and Tavari Johnson added 23.
» Akron got five rebounds from both Halil Barre and Eric Mahaffey.
What's Next?
Akron hits the road to battle Tulane on Saturday, December 6, for a 4 p.m. start.
