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Akron led for the entire second half, as they were able to hold off Central Michigan, 69-63 behind the strong play of Eric Parrish and Daniel Utomi. Akron moves to 11-13 (4-8 MAC) with the win, and Central Michigan falls to 15-10 (4-8 MAC) with the loss.
Only four Zips scored points in this game. Utomi scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds to go along with Parrish’s 21 points and nine rebounds on the day. Jimond Ivey added 19 points and dished out seven assists, and Malcolm Duvivier scored nine points for the Zips. Only six Akron players attempted shots in this game, as the Zips scored most of their points with Utomi and Parrish.
Akron was able to make 25 of their 57 shot attempts (44%) on the afternoon. The Zips made eight of their 24 shots (33%) from beyond the arc as well. Akron was also able to cash in at the free throw line, as they made 11 of their 15 attempts (73%) at the charity stripe.
Kevin McKay led the way for CMU, as he scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double double. Shawn Roundtree also scored 14 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out three assists. Cecil Williams added 12 points and eight rebounds, and Luke Meyer scored 10 points for Central Michigan.
Central Michigan connected on 24 of their 59 shots (41%) on the afternoon. The Chippewas struggled from both three-point range and from the free throw line. 3MU made just five of their 22 shots (23%) from downtown, and uncharacteristically made just 10 of their 21 free throws (48%).
Akron led for the entire second half, as Central Michigan was able to get the score to within one, but was unable to take the lead. From the 2:15 mark in the first half, Akron held the lead and didn’t relinquish it the rest of the game. Central Michigan would make a last second effort, as David DiLeo able to take the steal from McKay and turn it into a quick basket to bring the score to 65-63 with :52 seconds left. CMU would force another turnover but were unable to make the layup. Parrish would then make two free throws, and Akron would force another CMU miss. The dunk from Parrish would put the game on ice.
Akron looks to build off this win, as they host Ball State on Tuesday, February 13th. Tip is set for 7 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3.
Central Michigan will look to get back on the winning side, as they travel to Northern Illinois to face the Huskies on Tuesday, February 13th. Tip is set for 8 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3.