Freeman brings MVP game as Akron nips Ohio
CLEVELAND, OH -- Akron forward Enrique Freeman continued to showcase his MAC MVP form Friday by leading the No. 2 seeded Zips to a 65-62 win over third-seeded Ohio at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. With the victory, UA advances to meet arch-rival Kent State (a No. 8 seed) in the Mid-American Conference championship game Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2).
The winner of that tilt earns an automatic NCAA Tournament berth.
Freeman, who erupted for 30 points and 12 rebounds in UA's quarterfinal win over Miami Thursday, tallied 24 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in Friday's battle against an Ohio team that had won seven straight and 11 of its last 12 against MAC opponents. That streak included a 74-67 win over UA back on Feb. 27.
Ali Ali scored 16 points and . . .
The winner of that tilt earns an automatic NCAA Tournament berth.
Freeman, who erupted for 30 points and 12 rebounds in UA's quarterfinal win over Miami Thursday, tallied 24 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in Friday's battle against an Ohio team that had won seven straight and 11 of its last 12 against MAC opponents. That streak included a 74-67 win over UA back on Feb. 27.
Ali Ali scored 16 points and . . .
. . . Sammy Hunter added 14 for the Zips, who overcame foul issues to rally for the win. The former was limited to 26 minutes in part because of fouls, but was able to finish the contest. Freeman played 39 minutes despite finishing with foul fouls. Greg Tribble fouled out after logging 26 minutes.
Jaylin Hunter led Ohio with 17 points, while Miles Brown contributed 16 and Shereef Mitchell added 14.
Both teams connected on 22 field goals and 13 free throws. However, the Zips had three more goals from beyond the arc, sinking 8 of 22 (36.4%). The Bobcats made 5 of 23 (21.7%).
Akron's offense struggled through the first half, connecting on just 6 of 26 field goals and one of eight treys. Shooting 34.48 percent from the field, Ohio took a 26-16 lead to intermission.
The Bobcats remained in front until two Freeman free throws at 8:33 gave Akron a 43-42 edge.
Ohio moved back in front and led by as many as five until UA seized the lead for good at 5:47. Freeman scored two layups around an Ali triple on a 7-0 Zips run. Akron's advantage reached nine points (59-50) at 3:05 before the 'Cats began to chip away.
Two Hunter free throws with five seconds left reduced Ohio's deficit to two points (64-62). Ali was then fouled and made the second of two free throws. Ohio managed to get the ball across half court, but Hunter's long shot was off the mark.
Jaylin Hunter led Ohio with 17 points, while Miles Brown contributed 16 and Shereef Mitchell added 14.
Both teams connected on 22 field goals and 13 free throws. However, the Zips had three more goals from beyond the arc, sinking 8 of 22 (36.4%). The Bobcats made 5 of 23 (21.7%).
Akron's offense struggled through the first half, connecting on just 6 of 26 field goals and one of eight treys. Shooting 34.48 percent from the field, Ohio took a 26-16 lead to intermission.
The Bobcats remained in front until two Freeman free throws at 8:33 gave Akron a 43-42 edge.
Ohio moved back in front and led by as many as five until UA seized the lead for good at 5:47. Freeman scored two layups around an Ali triple on a 7-0 Zips run. Akron's advantage reached nine points (59-50) at 3:05 before the 'Cats began to chip away.
Two Hunter free throws with five seconds left reduced Ohio's deficit to two points (64-62). Ali was then fouled and made the second of two free throws. Ohio managed to get the ball across half court, but Hunter's long shot was off the mark.
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