Tavari Johnson, James Okonkwo lead revamped Akron men’s basketball into game vs. Brockport

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University of Akron men’s basketball players Tavari Johnson and James Okonkwo set career-highs for points in a game Tuesday night in a 86-73 win over Northern Kentucky at Rhodes Arena.

Johnson and Okonkwo were happy with how they shot the ball, but acknowledged there is still room for improvement in other areas of their games.

Akron coach John Groce agreed after watching Johnson score 27 points and Okonkwo score 17 points.

Akron guard Tavari Johnson drives past Northern Kentucky guard Trey Robinson on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Akron.

“I thought Tavari was exceptional other than the turnovers,” Groce said. “He will tell you that there are not very many coaches that want their starting point guard to have six turns in a game. If they say that, they are lying to you. He has got to be better with the ball. He knows that. He will not be happy with that number. It wasn’t great.

“Offensively, from a shooting perspective and his ability to make timely baskets, I thought those were big. … He is very gifted offensively. I have told him that for a long time. I really believe in his ability.”

Johnson and Okonkwo will get another opportunity to showcase their abilities at 3 p.m. Saturday when Akron hosts State University of New York at Brockport.

Northern Kentucky forward LJ Wells defends as Akron guard Tavari Johnson shoots during the game at the James A. Rhodes Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.

Johnson made 8 of 11 shots from field, including 4 of 6 from beyond the 3-point arc, and 7 of 8 free throws in just over 26 minutes against Northern Kentucky. He also had five assists, six turnovers, two rebounds and a block.

“We are in a good spot, but we have got way more to go to get better,” said Johnson, a 5-foot-11 junior. “We are not even close to our ceiling. We still gotta get better on the defensive end and we still gotta work on our offense flowing better. We are in a good spot, we have a good record right now and we are happy that we are winning, but we are not happy with our performance…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/tavari-johnson-james-okonkwo-lead-105559293.html

Author : Akron Beacon Journal

Publish date : 2024-12-06 10:55:00

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