Akron Zips net key home win over the Bowling Green Falcons, 74-59

The Akron Zips took control of a close game late in the second half and defeated the Bowling Green Falcons, 74-59 in Akron on Tuesday night. The win pulls the Zips (18-6, 8-3) within a half game of the East Division leading Falcons (18-7, 9-3) in the Mid-American Conference.

Point guard Loren Cristian Jackson lead the way for the Zips with a game-high 28 points. His running mate at guard, Tyler Cheese added 17 points for Akron.

The Falcon’s leading scorer coming into the game, Justin Turner was held to just 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field, and just three of six from the free throw line. The Zips did a great job defensively on Turner, making him fight through double- and triple-team coverage all game. Bowling Green was led in scoring by Daeqwon Plowden’s 18 points, but just four of those came in the second half.

The Zips shot 46% for the game (24-of-52) from the field while the Falcons could only manage 24-for-67 shooting for 36%. What may be the stat of the game, Akron outscored BG 21-5 from the charity stripe.

Bowling Green will stay on the road and play at Ball State on Saturday afternoon, while Akron will play at Central Michigan on Friday night.