The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
3-12,0-3MAC
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Western Michigan
5-8,2-1MAC
Akron Falls 55-48 to Western Michigan
January 07 | Women's Basketball
BOXSCORE (PDF)
KALAMAZOO, Mich. -Â The University of Akron women's basketball team overcame a five-point halftime deficit to assume a fourth quarter lead but the Zips were unable to secure their first Mid-American Conference victory as Western Michigan escaped with a 55-48 victory on Wednesday (Jan. 7).
Freshman Monique Mitchell (South Bend, Ind.) led the Zips with 14 points, while junior Keiryn McGuff (Dublin, Ohio) registered an eight-point, career-high 12 rebound and four-block performance. Freshman Shaena Brew (Rialto, Calif.) chipped in as well with six points.Â
Led by Mitchell's three offensive rebounds, Akron crashed the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in 10 second-chance points.
The Akron defense caused its share of turnovers, forcing 15 Western Michigan turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 15 points on the other end of the floor. Mitchell's one steal led the way individually for the Zips.
How It Happened
After falling behind 2-0, Akron went on a 5-0 run with 8:27 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from junior Ella Wigal (Granville, Ohio), to take a 5-2 lead. The Zips entered the second quarter down 22-14.
Akron kept the Broncos from increasing their lead before going on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a three from sophomore Izzy Callaway (Copley, Ohio), to narrow its deficit to 25-22. Western Michigan responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Zips trailing 29-24 heading into halftime.
Akron's faced a 39-33 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter. Akron took advantage of four Western Michigan turnovers in the quarter, scoring four points off of takeaways.
Akron opened the final quarter on a 9-1 run to assume a 42-40 lead on a driving lay-up by Brew at the 6:07 mark. The Broncos regained the lead for good on a three pointer, but the Zips continued to battle as the squad cut their deficit to one, 47-46, on a fast-break lay-up by Mitchell with 1:42 left in the game. Akron took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 15 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Zips held the Broncos to only 37.3 percent shooting from the field.
» The Akron bench made an impact by scoring 16 points to its scoring output.
» Akron posted a 42-38 rebounding advantage.
» The Akron defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Mitchell led the Zips with 14 points.
» Akron got a team- and career-high 12 rebounds from McGuff, while she added a career-best four blocks.
Up Next
Akron hosts Miami at noon on Saturday (Jan. 10) at James A. Rhodes Arena.
