Miami RedHawks vs. Akron Zips Basketball Final: Sullivan records double-double on Senior Night, RedHawks win 70-63

After getting off to a quick 7-3 start, Miami saw their lead vanish after an 8-0 run by Akron. Miami came back and retook the lead for a split second at 17-16. After this, Akron found themselves in control until well into the second period. The Zips would hold Miami scoreless for the remaining 6:22 of the first period to take a 23-17 lead into half. Akron's first half charge was led by junior Jake Kretzer, who hit two shots from downtown.

When the second period began, the Zips would extend the gap to 11 points until a free throw by senior Will Sullivan added a point to the Miami side of the scoreboard for the first time in over eight game minutes. Two rebounds, a layup, and two free throws all by the Zips' 6-foot-10, 290 pound center Isaiah Johnson helped extend the lead to eleven again. Johnson was forceful in the paint the entire game, and it took until late in the second half for the RedHawks to begin to contain him through freshman Logan McLane and junior Kalif Wright.

Steals by McLane and junior Eric Washington jump started a Miami comeback around the 12-minute mark in the second period. A basket by Wright would tie the game at 49 with 5:23 left before a 3-pointer by junior Reggie McAdams gave the Zips some breathing room. A jumper from Wright pulled Miami within one. Washington would then drive and draw a foul, after which he would make one of two free throws to give the RedHawks their first lead of the half. The determining factor of the game was free throws; Miami was 2-4 in the first half and 26-30 in the second half. Yes you read that right. 26-30.

Big scoring by Washington and McLane would allow Miami to take a lead as large as nine points, which the 'Hawks held for the remainder of regulation.

Quietly having a career game was the lone senior for the RedHawks: Will Sullivan. Sullivan finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds before exiting to a standing ovation in Millett Hall with just over a second left in the game. Sullivan finished second in Miami history in games played. He has seen the court in every one of his games as a RedHawk.

Creating problems for Miami were McAdams (14 points) as well as freshman Antino Jackson (17). Johnson had 9 rebounds and 10 points.