The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
11-4,2-1MAC
Central Michigan
4-12,0-4MAC
Johnson Enters Record Book For Career Assists; Zips Defeat CMU 82-69
January 06 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio - Tavari Johnson cracked the top-10 for career assists after recording 10 against the Chippewas and became the eighth player in program history to record 1,000 points and 300 assists as the Blue and Gold took down Central Michigan 82-69 at James A. Rhodes Arena on Tuesday.
Johnson surpassed Joe Jakubick (1980-84) to rank 10th all-time in career assists with 305. Steve McNees (2007-11) is 9th all-time with 318 assists.
The Zips (11-4, 2-1) had four players score in double figures, led by Johnson, who recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists. Shammah Scott added 19 points off the bench and Amani Lyles helped out with 12 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Evan Mahaffey rounded out the list with 10 points while adding five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Akron recorded it's 24th consecutive home win after defeating CMU.
Led by Eric Mahaffey's three offensive rebounds, Akron did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 11 boards that resulted in 14 second chance points.
The Akron defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Tuesday's game, forcing 17 Central Michigan turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 24 points on the other end of the floor. Lyles' four steals led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 24-22 advantage, Akron went on an 8-0 run with 7:48 left in the first half, culminating in a three from Scott, to increase its lead to 32-22. The Zips then added three points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 43-30 advantage. Akron did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 28 of its 43 points close to the basket.
Akron kept its lead intact before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Johnson's three, to grow the lead to 67-49 with 8:37 to go in the contest. The Chippewas narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still cruised the rest of the way for the 82-69 win. Akron shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting seven shots from deep to score 21 of its 39 points.
Game Notes
» Tavari Johnson notched a double-double for the Zips with 22 points and 10 assists.» The Zips shot well from three point range, knocking down 10 of 25 long range attempts.
» Akron never trailed on the way to an 82-69 victory.
» Akron recorded 22 total assists in the game.
» Tavari Johnson racked up 10 assists for Akron.
» The Akron bench made an impact by adding 29 points to its scoring output.
» Akron had a 34-20 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Akron defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Tavari Johnson led the Zips with a game-high 22 points.
» Akron got a game-high seven rebounds from Amani Lyles.
What's Next?
Akron hits the road to battle Bowling Green on Friday, January 9 for an 8 p.m. start. Akron and Bowling Green will be featured on CBS Sports Network.
