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Shammah Scott, Tavari Johnson lead Akron to first men's basketball win at Toledo since 2013
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- Shammah Scott, Tavari Johnson lead Akron to first men's basketball win at Toledo since 2013
The University of Akron men's basketball team continued its impressive season with a rare win at Toledo on Tuesday night.
How rare?
Akron topped Toledo 96-87 to record its first win at Toledo since Jan. 23, 2013.
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For perspective, it was John Groce's first win at Toledo as Akron 's coach. Former Akron coach Keith Dambrot guided the Zips to a 71-56 win the last time they beat the Rockets in Toledo.
Mid-American Conference leading Akron (24-6, 16-1) won Tuesday night with senior Shammah Scott (16 points), junior Tavari Johnson (14), redshirt junior Nate Johnson (13), senior Seth Wilson (11), junior Amani Lyles (11) and senior Isaiah Gray (10) all scoring in double figures.
It was the 18th game this season Akron had four or more players reach double-figures in points.
Zips junior Bowen Hardman (nine points) and senior James Okonkwo (seven) almost reached double digits. Scott, Tavari Johnson, Nate Johnson and freshman Sharron Young each had two steals.
Akron's Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with teammate Shammah Scott (1) during the second half against Northern Illinois on Feb. 18, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.
Scott's stat line also included five assists. Lyles had nine rebounds and four assists, Tavari Johnson had three assists and Nate Johnson grabbed six rebounds and had three assists.
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Reigning MAC Tournament champion Akron shot 57.1% from the field (32 of 56), including 54.2% from 3-point range (13 of 24), and 86.4% from the free-throw line (19 of 22). Akron has made 10 or more 3-pointers in 17 games this season.
From beyond the 3-point arc, Tavari Johnson made 4 of 6 shots, Hardman made 3 of 4 and Wilson made 3 of 6.
Akron's Shammah Scott (1) puts up a shot against Kent State on Feb. 28, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.
Akron finished with 21 assists on 32 baskets — its 14th game with 20 or more assists this season.
Akron compiled an 11-0 run to lead 23-10 with 10:37 remaining in the first half and was up 45-24 at halftime. Tavari Johnson had nine points in the first half and Okonkwo and Scott scored seven points apiece.
Akron's Tavari Johnson (5) shoots a layup as Kent State's Cian Medley (11) defends during the first half Feb. 28, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.
Wilson made a 3-pointer to give Akron its largest lead, 48-24, with 19:36 remaining in the second half.
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Akron concludes the regular season at home at Rhodes Arena at 7 p.m. Friday against Buffalo on Senior Day.
Akron's Nate Johnson (34) shoots over Kent State's Jalen Sullinger (13) during the first half Feb. 28, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.
Who led Akron to its previous men's basketball win at Toledo?
Akron's win on Jan. 23, 2013, at Toledo featured solid performances by Zeke Marshall, Chauncey Gilliam, Alex Abreu, Demetrius Treadwell and Brian Walsh.
Marshall led Akron with 18 points, nine blocks and eight rebounds. Gilliam scored 12 points, Abreu totaled 11 points and nine assists, Treadwell contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds and Walsh scored nine points.
Akron finished the 2012-2013 season 26-7 overall and 14-2 in the MAC regular season and lost to Virginia Commonwealth in the NCAA Tournament after beating Kent State and Ohio to win the MAC Tournament championship.
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Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.com .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Shammah Scott guides Akron Zips to rare men's basketball win at Toledo
