Akron's high-powered offense was on full display as they dismantled Ohio 86-65 at the Convocation Center. Tavari Johnson led the charge, scoring 24 points to propel the Zips to a convincing 21-point victory. The win was predicted by CHD Scout, who had Akron winning by 8.4 points, but the Zips far exceeded that margin, showcasing their dominance over the Bobcats.
The first half was all Akron, as they stormed out to a 48-26 lead at the break. Tavari Johnson was unstoppable, scoring 15 of his 24 points in the opening period. Ohio's Javan Simmons tried to keep his team afloat, scoring 10 of his 16 points in the first half, but it wasn't enough to slow down the Zips' onslaught. Akron's defense was also impressive, holding Ohio to just 26 points on 32% shooting in the first half.
The second half was more of the same, as Akron continued to pour it on. Shammah Scott and Amani Lyles joined Johnson in double figures, scoring 19 and 13 points, respectively. Lyles also added 11 rebounds, giving him a double-double on the night. Ohio's Jackson Paveletzke and JJ Kelly tried to mount a comeback, scoring 16 and 12 points, respectively, but it was too little, too late.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win was a significant one for Akron, as it marked a Quad 3 victory for the Zips. According to the latest net rankings, Akron's win over Ohio, who currently sits at 216, will be classified as a Quad 3 win, while the loss will be a Quad 2 loss for the Bobcats. This result will undoubtedly boost Akron's tournament resume, as they continue to make a strong case for an at-large bid.
With the victory, Akron improves to 16-4 on the season, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country. The Zips' impressive performance will likely catch the attention of the selection committee, and they will be a team to watch as the tournament approaches. On the other hand, Ohio falls to 11-10, and must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the postseason.
The convincing win also speaks to the strength of Akron's roster, which features a balanced mix of scoring, rebounding, and defense. With Tavari Johnson leading the way, the Zips have the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. As the season enters its final stretch, Akron want to build on this impressive performance and continue to make a strong case for themselves as a tournament contender.