The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
27-5,17-1MAC
Buffalo
17-15,7-11MAC
Akron Defeats Buffalo 73-70; Advances to MAC Semifinals
March 12 | Men's Basketball
CLEVELAND, Ohio -Tavari Johnson scored 25 points to help lead the Akron men's basketball team past the Buffalo Bulls 73-70 at Rocket Arena Thursday in the opening round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament.
Johnson added two steals to his 25 point game to lead the Zips (27-5). Amani Lyles helped out with a double double of 12 points and 16 rebounds and Evan Mahaffey chipped in with 10 points, eight rebounds and two steals.
Akron pulled down 36 rebounds in Thursday's game compared to Buffalo's 33, led by Lyles' 16 boards. The Zips also put in work on the offensive glass, turning 10 rebounds into 15 second chance points.
Akron forced 13 Buffalo turnovers while committing 11 themselves in Thursday's game. The Zips turned those takeaways into 14 points on the offensive end of the floor. Sharron Young led the way individually with three steals.
How It Happened
After falling behind 20-16, Akron went on a 9-0 run with 9:30 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Eric Mahaffey, to take a 25-20 lead. The Zips then added eight points to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 42-29 advantage. Akron relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down six shots to account for 18 of its 42 points.
Akron kept its lead intact before going on a 7-0 run, finished off by Johnson's jumper, to grow the lead to 52-36 with 15:00 to go in the contest. The Bulls narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Zips still held on for the 73-70 win. Akron took care of business in the paint, recording 18 of its 31 points in the lane.
Game Notes
» Amani Lyles notched a double-double for the Zips with 12 points and 16 rebounds.» Akron found success from beyond the arc, knocking down eight treys in the game.
» Akron never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Akron had a 36-33 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Akron defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
» Tavari Johnson led the Zips with a game-high 25 points.
» Akron got a game-high 16 rebounds from Amani Lyles.
What's Next?
Akron will play the winner of Kent State and Ohio on Friday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the MAC Tournament Semifinals.
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