After a tough start to Mid-American Conference play, Ohio’s schedule eased up with a pair of home games against struggling teams.
That changes this weekend, however, as Ohio travels to Akron to face a familiar foe in former Ohio head coach John Groce, whose Zips are now tied with Kent State for first place in the MAC at 6-1.
Here is everything you need to know about Saturday’s opponent:
Game Information
Opponent: Akron
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: James A. Rhodes Arena
How to watch: ESPN3
How to listen: The Varsity Network
Follow live stats here
Meet the Opponent
Head Coach: John Groce (sixth season)
Probable starters
02 Greg Tribble
04 Trendon Hankerson
11 Sammy Hunter
13 Xavier Castaneda
25 Enrique Freeman
Statistical leaders
Points: Castaneda (20.6)
Rebounds: Freeman (10.6)
Assists: Castaneda (3.2)
Blocks: Freeman (22)
Steals: Castaneda (20)
Field goal percentage: Freeman (58%)
3-point percentage: Castaneda (38.3%)
Free throw percentage: Castaneda (81.8%)
Series History
Ohio is 4-6 against Akron since Groce took the job, and the series has been pretty even since Akron took nine of 11 matchups between 2013 and 2017.
The two teams split their matchups last season, with both winning on the road. Before that, the Bobcats had only defeated the Zips in Akron once since 2014.
Player to watch
Enrique Freeman - After a slow start to his Akron career, Freeman had a breakout 2020-21 season and has since become one of the MAC’s best players. The reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year is currently the only player in the conference averaging more than 10 rebounds, and he will likely play a major role in guarding Dwight Wilson III.
