Akron sports Jan. 27-Feb. 2 | Tavari Johnson, Nate Johnson lead Zips to basketball win

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The University of Akron men’s basketball team defeated host Northern Illinois 80-70 Tuesday night at the Convocation Center in DeKalb.

Junior guard Tavari Johnson totaled 21 points and four assists in over 25 minutes as Akron (15-5, 8-0) remained tied atop the Mid-American Conference standings. The 8-0 start is the best start in conference play under coach John Groce.

Johnson made 7 of 11 shots from the field, including 2 of 4 from beyond the 3-point arc, and 5 of 5 free throws.

Akron redshirt junior guard Nate Johnson totaled 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks in over 35 minutes against NIU (5-15, 1-7).

Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) attempts a layup ahead of Kent State Golden Flashes guard Giovanni Santiago (11) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Akron, Ohio.

Zips senior guard Isaiah Gray contributed 12 points, 11 rebounds and three assists and senior guard Shammah Scott had 11 points and seven rebounds. Senior forward James Okonkwo had six points and four rebounds and senior guard Seth Wilson added six points and three assists.

Akron built a 17-5 lead with 15:23 remaining in the first half. NIU responded with a 15-0 run to lead 20-17 with 10:47 left in the first half.

The Zips led 37-33 at halftime and 72-58 with 3:28 to go in the second half.

“I thought the first five minutes, we were really good and I thought the next 35 minutes, we stunk,” Akron coach John Groce said to Zips radio broadcasters David Skoczen and Joe Dunn after the win.

“I didn’t think we played very well, but give them credit for finding a way to win. I thought we made some plays, but we were not a very smart basketball team. We had too many fouls that were unnecessary. I don’t think I have coached a game in my career where we fouled four 3-point shooters. … We made too many sloppy turnovers. I thought decision making wasn’t great on either end of the floor. Obviously, we get a chance to learn from the win. That is…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/akron-sports-jan-27-feb-105550876.html

Author : Akron Beacon Journal

Publish date : 2025-01-29 10:55:00

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