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Akron plays impactful defense to win MAC men's basketball opener vs EMU
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- Akron plays impactful defense to win MAC men's basketball opener vs EMU
The University of Akron men's basketball team got back into the win column Dec. 19 with a 25-point scorer, two double-doubles and a couple of changes in the starting lineup.
Tavari Johnson was the 25-point scorer for the reigning MAC regular season and tournament champion and NCAA Tournament participant last season .
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Amani Lyles and Evan Mahaffey recorded the double-doubles.
And Sharron Young and Zach Halligan received their first collegiate starts as host Akron recorded a 93-72 win over Eastern Michigan in the Mid-American Conference opener for each team at Rhodes Arena.
The victory came after Akron lost 115-100 to Murray State on Dec. 13.
"Tonight was the most complete game we played defensively," Akron coach John Groce said . "I thought the first 36 minutes we were good. The last four we weren't very good. The first 36 was the most consistent we have been with our effort. I thought we were physical. I thought our talk was good. I thought we were really connected. I thought we got contributions from everybody that played.
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"It was a good effort on that end of the floor, and we needed that. Obviously, we have been struggling defensively and that was the theme all week in some of the most physical practices we have had here in nine years. It was great to see the guys respond. Offensively, I thought we did some good things. ... Twenty-two assists, obviously, tells you that we were willing to share the ball."
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) drives to the basket against Northern Illinois Huskies guard Nasir Muhammad (7) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.
Johnson made 11 of 15 shots from the field and 3 of 3 free throws to score 25 points. He also had five assists and four steals in just under 28 minutes.
Johnson said the key to winning was "staying together, knowing our identity and who we are, and that is a team that plays defense and prides ourselves on defense."
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"We were falling off on that end and coach, he made some changes as you see in the starting lineup and I feel like that group in that starting lineup, we really knew what we were coming here to do, and that is defend," he continued. "We started off and set the tone for the rest of the guys. The guys that came off the bench had a big impact on the defensive side, too. Everyone really bought in on playing defense and going back to who we are."
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson drives to the basket past Ball State guard Ethan Brittain-Watts in the first half, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.
Lyles made 7 of 11 shots from the field and 2 of 3 free throws en route to 16 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in just over 24 minutes.
"After the loss [to Murray State], the emphasis was definitely defense," Lyles said. "I think the first group came out and displayed very tough and very hard defense. That was the emphasis. We listened to coach, played hard and just defended, and then the offense will takes care of itself.
Akron's Amani Lyles blocks a shot at the rim by Toledo's Isaiah Adams on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.
"... All of our guys are ready. Big props to the guys that came in[to the starting lineup], Sharron and Zach. They stepped up and started the game off for us."
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Akron was a plus-36 with Johnson on the court and a plus-32 with Lyles on the court.
Mahaffey made 6 of 9 shots from the field and 2 of 3 free throws on his way to 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal in just over 21 minutes.
Akron Zips wing Evan Mahaffey (12) celebrates during a game Nov. 3, 2025, in Akron.
"After Murray State, we had a couple of days to prep for this game," Mahaffey said. "In practice, the emphasis was definitely defense and playing harder. Playing consistently hard for long periods of time, no matter who is in the game and no matter what. Just playing hard, and doing what you can defensively, offensively and rebounding-wise to help out the team."
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EMU's Carlos Hart had a big game with 32 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals, but Akron was able to limit Mohammad Habhab to 12 points and five rebounds.
Young totaled eight points and two assists on 4-of-8 shooting from the field.
Akron Zips coach John Groce talks with Sharron Young during a game against Western Michigan on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.
Halligan, a 2023 Walsh Jesuit High School graduate, had seven points and five rebounds. He made 2 of 3 shots from the field and all three of his free throws.
Not bad for a walk-on.
"It was a cool moment to see," Johnson said. "You don't see a lot of walk-ons come out and start games like Zach. And Sharron, as a sophomore starting, his first start in his career, too. It was cool to see him experience that. ... Those two guys and Amani are probably three of the highest guys that defensively grade out consistently everyday."
Akron's Zach Halligan (21) goofs around during an open practice Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at PPG Paints Arena in preparation for the Zips' first-round NCAA Tournament game against Creighton on Thursday, March 21, 2024 in Pittsburgh.
Akron only made three 3-pointers, all by Bowen Hardman, but still won by 21 points.
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"That speaks to the type of team we have," Mahaffey said. "We don't just have to rely on the 3. Everybody can get to the rim and finish, and also pass as well. A lot of our field goals were assisted. People cutting and movement off the ball is something we emphasize, too. ... We really try to pride ourself on not being a one-trick pony team."
Akron finished with five slam dunks — three by Evan Mahaffey and one apiece by Johnson and Eric Mahaffey.
Nov 16, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) runs between Purdue Boilermakers guard Fletcher Loyer (2) and guard Braden Smith (3) during the first half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Eric Mahaffey (six points, seven rebounds, five assists) and Shammah Scott (four points, two assists) contributed in reserve roles after starting the first 11 games with Johnson, Lyles and Evan Mahaffey.
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Groce said the starting lineup changes came from watching practices and games, and looking at analytics.
"We wanted to play hard, talk loudly early, we wanted to play with some physicality and we wanted to be more impactful defensively," Groce said.
Akron men's basketball player Chabi Barre sidelined with injury
Chabi Barre missed the Dec. 19 game after being injured in the game against Murray State.
"Chabi's out dealing with a hand injury," Groce said. "We will hopefully have him out for two weeks. It could be longer. We are hopeful for two weeks. ... He played with it in the second half. He showed some toughness, for sure."
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Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.com .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron plays better defense to win MAC men's basketball opener vs EMU
