The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
3-10,0-1MAC
Ball State
10-4,2-0MAC
Akron Falls to Ball State in MAC Opener
December 31 | Women's Basketball
BOXSCORE (PDF) | PHOTO GALLERY | POSTGAME COMMENTS
AKRON, Ohio -Â The University of Akron women's basketball team received a 25-point performance from the bench, but fell 102-73 to the Ball State Cardinals in its Mid-American Conference opener at James A. Rhodes Arena on Wednesday (Dec. 31).
The Zips had two players score in double figures, led by freshman Monique Mitchell (South Bend, Ind.), who had 15 points on 50-percent shooting form the floor (5-of-10) and beyond the arc (2-of-4). Mitchell added four rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot. Freshman Shaena Brew (Rialto, Calif.) followed in scoring with 12 points, five assists and four rebounds. Sophomore Ni'Rah Clark (Toledo, Ohio) added nine points and five rebounds, while senior Natalie Johnson (Waldorf, Md.) notched eight points and a steal.Â
Junior Ella Wigal (Grandville, Ohio) pulled down four offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second-chance opportunities for Akron, grabbing 11 boards and turning them into seven second-chance points. Wigal recorded six total rebounds.Â
How It Happened
Akron fell behind 25-14 at the end of the first quarter before facing a 52-29 halftime deficit.
Akron's deficit continued to grow after halftime, and the Zips faced an 86-49 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter. Akron knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to score nine of its 20 total points.
Ball State constructed a 102-57 advantage before Akron went on a 16-0 run, finished off by Brew's layup, to shrink the deficit to 102-73 with 46 seconds to go in the contest, a score which held for the rest of the game. Akron took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 14 of its 24 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» Akron found success from beyond the arc, knocking down eight treys in the game.
» The Akron bench came alive by adding 25 points to its scoring output.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Mitchell led the Zips with 15 points.
» Akron got a team-high six rebounds from Wigal.
UP NEXT
Akron travels to Ohio for a 1 p.m. tilt on Saturday (Jan. 3).
