The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
25-5,16-1MAC
Central Michigan
10-20,6-11MAC
| Team | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | 39 | 38 | 77 |
| Central Mich. | 33 | 31 | 64 |
Four Zips Score in Double Figures in 77-64 Win at CMU
March 03 | Men's Basketball
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich - Four Zips reached double figure scoring as the Akron men's basketball team defeated Central Michigan 77-64 on the road Tuesday.Â
Evan Mahaffey's career-high (16) and Amani Lyles' (11) fantastic rebounding performances led the Zips (25-5, 16-1) in the contest. Mahaffey tacked on nine points, four assists, and two steals and Lyles added 13 points and three steals. Tavari Johnson also helped out with 17 points, four assists and two steals. Bowen Hardman scored 15 points while adding two rebounds.
Mahaffey pulled down six offensive rebounds to lead the Akron offense which grabbed 14 boards and turned them into 16 second chance points.
The Akron defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Tuesday's game, forcing 15 Central Michigan turnovers while committing 12. Those takeaways turned into 17 points on the offensive end of the floor. Sharron Young led the way individually for the Zips with five steals.
Three Zips recorded four assists, as the Blue and Gold notched 17 on 30 made baskets against CentralÂ
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 32-31 advantage, Akron went on a 7-0 run with 4:24 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Johnson, to increase its lead to 39-31. The Zips then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 39-33 advantage. Akron relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down six shots to account for 18 of its 39 points.
The Chippewas proceeded to tie things up at 49-49 before Akron went on a 12-0 run, finished off by Young's layup, to seize a 61-49 lead with 7:11 to go in the contest. The Zips kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 77-64 win. Akron got a boost from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for 11 of its 38 total points.
Game Notes
» Amani Lyles notched a double-double for the Zips with 13 points and 11 rebounds.» Akron found success from beyond the arc, knocking down 11 treys in the game.
» Akron tallied 17 total assists in the game.
» Akron had a 41-25 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Akron defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Akron cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive boards in the game.
» Tavari Johnson led the Zips with a game-high 17 points.
» Evan Mahaffey nabbed a game-high 16 rebounds to lead Akron and Amani Lyles contributed 11.
What's Next?
Akron hosts Northern Illinois for the final regular season and home contest of the 2025-26 season on Friday, March 6. The Zips will honor its five seniors prior to battling the Huskies and will be featured on CBSSN.
