Akron Finishes off Western Michigan 66-59

The Zips are now 2-0 in Mac Conference Play, and Friday night they won their 25th straight home game at James A. Rhodes Arena.  Akron played sloppy throughout the game but were able to come up with the win. Senior Center Isaiah Johnson led the team in points with 16, he also added an impressive 13 rebounds, three assists, and one block. As a team Akron shot just 25-56 (44.6%) from the court, and committed 12 turnovers.

Jimond Ivey had another strong game scoring 13 points, four rebounds, and one steal where he was able to get an easy dunk late in the second half. Akron was able to escape with the victory because of a late three pointer with 1:10 left in the game from Senior forward Kwan Cheatham. He had a total of 14 points, seven rebounds, and one assist. Freshman point guard Tavian Dunn-Martin also helped with the scoring for the Zips by knocking down two key three pointers. Currently this season Akron is shooting 38.6 percent from 3 point range, but shot their worst percentage only making 7 of 29 (24.1%) three pointers. Akron was able to hold off Western Michigan by going on a 7-0 run in the closing minutes of the game.

Akron is away at Central Michigan Tuesday night at 7 pm at the McGuirk Arena in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The Chippewas are 9 and 3 on the season and are led by junior guard Marcus Keene, who scored 22 points in a loss in their last game to Eastern Michigan.

Below is the press game conference after the game with head coach for the Western Michigan Broncos Steve Hawkins on his opinion of each of his players effort, and how Akron was able to finish the game. Also, head coach for Akron Keith Dambrot talks about what he saw from the game. Lastly, Kwan Cheatham comments on his last second three pointer, his thoughts overall of the game, and mindset going into the Central Michigan game.