The Akron Zips dominated the Ball State Cardinals 78-65 in a non-conference matchup at Worthen Arena, with Amani Lyles leading the charge with 26 points and 8 rebounds. This win marked Akron's 22nd victory of the season, solidifying their position as a strong contender. Ball State, on the other hand, struggled to contain Akron's offense, allowing them to shoot 51.9% from the field and 40% from three-point range. The Cardinals' 65 points were not enough to overcome the Zips' high-powered offense, which has been averaging 78.6 points per game over their last 5 contests.
Akron's strong performance was not surprising, given their recent form. They have been on a tear, outscoring their opponents by an average of 6.6 points per game over their last 5 matchups. In contrast, Ball State has been struggling, averaging only 60.6 points per game while allowing 70.4 points per game over their last 5 games. This trend continued in this matchup, with Akron outscoring Ball State 40-36 in the first half and 38-29 in the second half. The Zips' ability to maintain a consistent level of scoring throughout the game was a key factor in their victory. With 14:21 remaining in the game, Akron led by 10 points, 51-41, and never looked back, maintaining a double-digit lead for the majority of the second half.
Amani Lyles' 26 Points Leads Akron to 78-65 Victory Over Ball State
Amani Lyles was the star of the show, hitting 10 of his 15 field goal attempts, including 4 three-pointers. His performance was complemented by Tavari Johnson, who added 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Johnson's ability to score and distribute the ball effectively was a key factor in Akron's victory. On the other hand, Ball State's Davion Hill had a strong game, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the Zips' balanced attack. Devon Barnes added 16 points for the Cardinals, but they lacked a third scoring option to complement Hill and Barnes. With 6:45 remaining in the game, Akron led by 15 points, 68-53, and the outcome was all but certain.
The CHD Scout prediction of an 18.7-point victory for Akron was correct, and the actual margin of 13 points was not far off.
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The prediction was accurate because Akron's high-powered offense was able to exploit Ball State's defensive weaknesses. The Zips' ability to shoot 51.9% from the field and 40% from three-point range was a key factor in their victory. Additionally, Akron's rebounding margin of +5 was a significant advantage, as they were able to limit Ball State's second-chance opportunities. The Cardinals' struggles on the defensive end, allowing 78 points, were a major factor in their loss. With 2:15 remaining in the game, Akron led by 12 points, 75-63, and the Cardinals were unable to mount a comeback.
Akron's win marked their 4th quadrant 4 victory of the season, which is a significant boost to their tournament resume.
This win solidifies Akron's position as a strong contender for an at-large bid, with their current NET ranking of 60. The Zips' Quad 4 victory over Ball State, who has a NET ranking of 323, may not seem significant at first glance, but it demonstrates Akron's ability to take care of business against inferior opponents. This is a crucial aspect of building a strong tournament resume, as it shows that the Zips can win games they are supposed to win. With a record of 22-5, Akron is in a good position to secure a spot in the tournament, but they must continue to perform well in their remaining games to lock up a seed.
The loss for Ball State was their 19th of the season, and it marked their 5th consecutive loss to a team with a NET ranking above 200. The Cardinals' struggles this season have been well-documented, and this loss was just another example of their inability to compete with stronger opponents. With a record of 8-19, Ball State is unlikely to make a push for the tournament, but they can still play spoiler for other teams in their conference. The Cardinals must regroup and refocus if they hope to finish the season on a strong note. As the season enters its final stretch, Akron want to build on this momentum and make a push for a high seed in the tournament. With their strong offense and balanced attack, they have the potential to make a deep run in the postseason.