Ivey scores 18 and Akron beats WMU 56-48 in MAC opener
AKRON, Ohio -- Jimond Ivey scored 18 points, including 12 in the second half, and Akron defeated Western Michigan 56-48 in a Mid-American Conference opener on Saturday.
Loren Cristian Jackson added 12 points, 10 in the second half, but was just 1 of 11 from the arc. Akron (9-5) made only 6 of 31 from 3-point range for 19 percent but Western Michigan was worse at 4 of 26 for 15 percent. Deng Riak grabbed 11 rebounds. The Zips shot only 28 percent but a 16-of-23 effort at the free-throw line versus 6 of 9 for the Broncos was a difference-maker.
Josh Davis and Michael Flowers scored 14 points each for the Broncos (6-8), who shot 31 percent, with Kawanise Wilkins collecting 12 rebounds.
Western Michigan led 24-23 at halftime but Ivey opened the second half with a 3-pointer and dunk and the Zips led thereafter. He made a 3-pointer and two free throws and Tyler Cheese added a bucket for an 11-point margin with 4:22 remaining. The Broncos didn't get closer than six after that.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Chris Beaver
- Greg Langsdorf
- Tim Stewart
2023-24 Mid-American Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo | 14-4 | - | 20-12 |
| Akron | 13-5 | 1 | 24-11 |
| Ohio | 13-5 | 1 | 20-13 |
| Central Michigan | 12-6 | 2 | 18-14 |
| Bowling Green | 10-8 | 4 | 20-14 |
| Miami (OH) | 9-9 | 5 | 15-17 |
| Western Michigan | 9-9 | 5 | 12-20 |
| Kent State | 8-10 | 6 | 17-17 |
| Ball State | 7-11 | 7 | 15-16 |
| Eastern Michigan | 6-12 | 8 | 13-18 |
| Northern Illinois | 5-13 | 9 | 11-20 |
| Buffalo | 2-16 | 12 | 4-27 |
Men's College Basketball News