Sports

Instant Reaction: First Half – Akron 41, Ohio 36


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Ohio Men’s Basketball (15-5, 6-0 MAC) rode a seven-game win streak into Akron Saturday to take on the Zips (16-4, 7-0) in a battle for first place in the MAC standings.

FIRST HALF

Akron 41, Ohio 36

Ohio Bobcats

Reggie Keely: 7 points, 2 rebounds, 2-3 field goals

Nick Kellogg: 7 points, 2 assists, 3-5 field goals

Akron Zips

Alex Abreu: 12 points, 3 assists, 5-5 field goals

Zeke Marshall: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 4-4 field goals

Off and Running: From the start, Ohio played with a level of composure and energy that it has struggled to show on the road this season. The Bobcats went on an early 14-0 run to establish a double-digit lead within the first eight minutes of the game.

On a Roll: The combination of D.J. Cooper and Reggie Keely on the pick-and-roll gave Akron problems early in the game. The seniors connected twice during Ohio’s early run for easy buckets. Keely had 7 points in the first half; Cooper had  points and # assists.

Akron Answers: The MAC-leading Zips executed a run of their own to end the half, beginning on a Nick Harney layup at the 7:26 mark in the first half. Another Harney layup at the 5:14 mark cut Ohio’s lead, which was as large as 13 points, down to 5, electrifying the crowd at Rhodes Arena. An Alex Abreu 3 at the 1:49 mark gave the Zips their first lead of the game and further ignited the home crowd.

Key Stats: Ohio shot unbelievably well from the floor to start the game, connecting on 11 of its first 14 field goal attempts. The Bobcats, however, struggled on the defensive glass. Akron compiled 6 offensive rebounds that led to 8 second chance points in the first frame of play.

Photo Credit: Kate Hiller