The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
17-5,10-0MAC
Ball State
10-12,4-6MAC
Young's Career Night Leads Akron Past Ball State at the JAR
February 04 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio - Sharron Young scored a career-high 18 points to lead the Akron men's basketball team to an 81-73 victory at James A. Rhodes Arena Tuesday night.
With the win, Akron has now won 10 straight games to begin Mid-American Conference action while staying undefeated at home this season. The last time the Zips won 10-straight games to begin conference play was during the 2012-13 season.
The Zips (17-5, 10-0) had four players score in double figures, led by Young, who had 18 points, five assists and two steals. Nate Johnson tacked on 16 points and Shammah Scott chipped in as well with 13 points, six assists and two blocks off the bench. Amani Lyles provided 12 points.
The Akron bench was highly productive against Ball State, with a season-high 49 points coming from the reserves. The Zips bench has scored 30 or more points in 15 games while scoring 40 or more points in seven games.
Akron shared the ball well in Tuesday's game, racking up 21 assists on 35 made field goals. Scott's six assists led the Zips. This was the 11th game Akron has recorded 20 or more assists.
How It Happened
After falling behind 6-2, Akron went on a 7-0 run with 15:56 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Scott, to take a 9-6 lead. The Zips then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 38-36 advantage. Akron relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down six shots to account for 18 of its 38 points.
Akron kept its lead intact before going on an 8-0 run, finished off by Amani Lyles' layup, to grow the lead to 76-66 with 3:58 to go in the contest. The Cardinals narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still cruised the rest of the way for the 81-73 win. Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 28 of its 43 points in the lane.
Game Notes
» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.» Akron recorded 21 total assists in the game.
» The Akron bench came alive by scoring 49 points to its scoring output.
» Sharron Young and Shammah Scott came off the bench to score 18 and 13 points, respectively.
» Akron had a 31-28 edge on the boards in the win.
» Akron turned the ball over eight times while dishing out 21 assists.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
» Sharron Young led the Zips with 18 points.
» Akron got a team-high six rebounds from James Okonkwo.
What's Next?
The Zips stay home to host South Alabama in the final round of the MAC-SBC Challenge on Saturday, February 8 for a 2 p.m. start.
