Once Upon A Time In Las Vegas – Divisional Round
The Western Michigan Broncos play host to Mid-American Conference (MAC) foe the Akron Zips on Saturday afternoon. Western Michigan is 6-12 on the season and 2-3 in the MAC while Akron is 12-6 overall and 4-1 in the conference. These two teams split two very close games last season. Tipoff for this matchup is at 2:30 p.m. EST at John Worthen Arena in Muncie, Indiana.
The Akron Zips are off to a great start this season at 12-6 overall and 4-1 in the MAC. They have won three straight and four of their last five games. Their one loss came at the hands of Ball State. Their conference wins have come against Northern Illinois, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan. Akron is ranked No. 111 in the KenPom rankings. The Zips are coming off an easy win at Central Michigan on Tuesday, as they handled their business with a 69-51 win.
Akron forces 18 turnovers to secure second road win at Central Michigan 69-51. Four players score double figures in win. #GoZips??#1Akron
Recap??https://t.co/1MhrVSh22t pic.twitter.com/aKHfvSHxRM
— Akron Zips MBB (@ZipsMBB) January 18, 2023
Akron's defense once again led the way as they held Central Michigan to 34% shooting from the floor and they generated 18 turnovers. Guard Xavier Castaneda led the Zips with 13 points, five assists and four rebounds, while junior Sammy Hunter added 12 points for Akron. Trendon Hankerson chipped in with 11 points while Greg Tribble added 10 points. The Zips rank 153 in offensive efficiency and average 71.6 points per game while the rank 93rd in defensive efficiency and give up 62.4 points per game. Castaneda leads the team with 19.1 points per game.