Ohio (14-12, 8-5 Mid-American Conference) is coming off a hard-fought win against Central Michigan that came down to the final shot. Now, Ohio is tasked with Akron (21-5, 13-0 MAC), the conference’s best team.
The Bobcats went on the road in January and gave the Zips a good battle but ultimately lost 92-80. Against Akron, forward Aidan Hadaway suffered a season-ending injury, and the Bobcats have been without him ever since.
Ohio has what it takes to beat anyone in the conference but a win against Akron will take everything the team has to offer.
Here is everything to know before the matchup:
Game information
Opponent: Akron (first in the MAC)
Location: The Convo
Time: Saturday at 6 p.m.
Where to watch: ESPN2
Follow live stats here
Meet the opponent
Head coach: John Groce (eighth season)
Projected Starters:
No. 5, Tavari Johnson
No. 13, Isaiah Gray
No. 14, Seth Wilson
No. 32, James Okonkwo
No. 34, Nate Johnson
Statistical leaders:
Points: Nate Johnson (14 per game)
Rebounds: Okonkwo (7.7 per game)
Assists: Tavari Johnson (111)
Steals: Nate Johnson (52)
Blocks: Amani Lyes (28 per game)
Field goal percentage: Gray (49%)
Three-point percentage: Sharron Young (40%)
Free-throw percentage: Johnson (90%)
History
Ohio found some success late in its January game against Akron but ultimately couldn't overcome a 15-point halftime deficit. Bobcats guard Shereef Mitchell scored a season-high 27 points in the matchup, while AJ Brown followed with 15. If Ohio wants to win, it will need similar production from these two this time out.
Preseason All-MAC forward AJ Clayton had one of his worst games of the season against Akron and could be the difference in a rematch this weekend. In 34 minutes, Clayton recorded only 8 points. If Clayton can contribute double digits this time around, Ohio will be in a much better position to win.
Player to Watch: Isaiah Gray
Isaiah Gray has been one of the best players in the MAC this season after transferring into the conference from Cornell. Last time Ohio played Akron, Gray contributed season-highs in points, 3-pointers made, field goals made and free throws made. Gray had no trouble scoring against the Ohio defense, to say the absolute least.
If the Bobcats want to turn things around against Akron, Gray can’t have the success he had last game.
