Duvivier, Utomi lead Akron over Appalachian State 94-89

Dec 10, 2017, 02:50 am

AKRON, Ohio -- Malcolm Duvivier hit 6 of 9 from 3-point range and scored 24 and Daniel Utomi added a double-double to propel Akron to a 94-89 victory over Appalachian State on Saturday night in a game that tipped off three hours late because of weather conditions.

Utomi finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds and the sophomore buried two late 3-pointers to help the Zips (5-2) hold off the Mountaineers (5-6) in the first meeting between the schools.

Griffin Kinney poured in a career-high 28 points for Appalachian State. The senior made 9 of 13 shots from the floor and 9 of 11 free throws. Ronshad Shabazz scored 18 of his 26 points in the second half and added five assists, while Justin Forrest scored 13 with five assists.

Virshon Cotton and Duvivier hit back-to-back 3-pointers to key a 14-7 run and the Zips led 47-38 at the half.

The Mountaineers battled back and led 77-76 on two Kinney free throws with 4:32 remaining in the game, but Cotton hit two free throws, Duvivier made a jumper and Utomi hit back-to-back 3s to push the lead 86-79 and the Zips held on from there.