Akron Prepares for MAC Showdown Against Bowling Green

News Summary

Basketball fans in Akron are gearing up for an exhilarating clash as the Zips face off against the Bowling Green Falcons in the Mid-American Conference opener on January 3rd at 6 p.m. Both teams will be looking to secure a strong start in the MAC season, with Akron boasting a solid 7-5 record and Bowling Green riding a recent wave of success. Expect an intense battle on the court filled with action as both teams vie for the season’s opening victory.

Akron Gears Up for MAC Basketball Clash Against Bowling Green

As excitement fills the air in Akron, basketball fans are eagerly awaiting the thrilling matchup set for January 3rd at 6 p.m. The Akron Zips will take on the Bowling Green Falcons in the first game of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) season, and there’s definitely a buzz around this encounter. Both teams are hoping to kick off their MAC journey with a bang, but only one will emerge victorious.

Bowling Green’s Recent Streak and Star Performers

The Bowling Green Falcons have been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride lately, with a record of 3-2 in their last five games. Their standout moment came with a spectacular victory over Aquinas College where they dominated with a score of 87-62. Marcus Johnson shone brightly in this game, showcasing his scoring prowess by netting 20 points while hitting an incredible 80% of his shots from the field.

Not to be outdone, Jami Felt pulled off a stellar double-double against Aquinas, contributing 13 points and snatching 11 rebounds. And let’s not forget the sensational performance from Javontae Campbell, who recorded the first triple-double for the Falcons since 2007! He finished that game with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, proving just how vital he is to the team’s success.

Overall, Bowling Green is making waves with an average of 78.4 points per game. They possess a scoring margin of +3.5 and shoot at a solid 46% from the field. Their three-point shooting has also been noteworthy, with the team making about 8.9 three-pointers per game at a rate of 35.5%. This season, Marcus Johnson steps up as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 17.3 points. Close behind are Javontae Campbell and Derick Butler, who chip in 15.8 and 14.9 points per game, respectively.

Akron’s Preparations and Historical Edge

On the other side, the Akron Zips come into this matchup boasting a solid record of 7-5 but are looking to bounce back after a narrow loss to Princeton, finishing at 76-75. Leading the Zips in scoring is Tavari Johnson, averaging 12.8 points per game, with Nate Johnson not far behind at 11.9 points. James Okonkwo has also emerged as a significant contributor, particularly on the boards, which he averages at 8.5 rebounds per game.

Akron’s scoring average surpasses Bowling Green’s at 80.7 points per game, along with a stronger scoring margin of +7.4. Their shooting stats are impressive too, with a 43% overall shooting percentage and 11.2 three-pointers made per game, ranking second in the MAC. Additionally, they excel in rebounding, averaging 40.1 boards per game and recording 17.42 assists per game, placing them comfortably in the top five of the MAC statistics.

Historically, the Zips have been a force in MAC openers, with an impressive all-time record of 24-8. They have particularly excelled in recent years, winning 15 out of their last 16 MAC season openers. Akron has managed to shine in MAC play, both at home and away, sporting the highest winning percentage (.722) since the 2019-20 season.

A Match to Remember

As the two teams prepare to hit the court, fans can expect a fierce battle filled with hustle and drive. With the opportunity to start strong in the conference, both the Zips and Falcons have much to prove. Don’t miss this chance to witness the first MAC showdown of the year, airing on CBS Sports Network. Mark your calendars and get ready for an electrifying basketball experience!