MIAMI BASKETBALL

Akron at Miami - scoring heavyweights battle Saturday

By MIKE SMITH
The last time Miami faced Akron, UA came back from an 18-point deficit to defeat the RedHawks. Nate Johnson's basket in the final seconds lifted Akron to a 74-72 victory and the MAC championship.

The two teams are once again among MAC leaders. In Miami's case, the RedHawks (14-0) are one of six teams nationally still undefeated. Akron, meanwhile, is 10-3, with losses to No. 2 Purdue (97-79), Yale (97-94) and Murray State (115-100). Since the latter setback, UA defeated Eastern Michigan 93-72 and Concord (115-64). 

Saturday's matchup is . . . 

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. . . arguably Miami's biggest challenge of the season, with both teams having strong incentives to pull out a win. Among them, Akron would like to end Miami's record season-opening win streak and establish itself as the early "alpha" power. Miami, of course, wants to continue the streak and stay atop the pack. A little payback for last March might be nice, as well -- at least for those who were involved in that game.

Miami's last two points in that championship game were a pair of free throws by Evan Ipsaro. His season-ending injury at Ball State means he'll need to watch this time around. Meanwhile, Kam Craft left for Georgia Tech. Those two combined for 23 points in the last MU vs UA contest. Reece Potter, a 7-foot center transferred to Kentucky. However, the RedHawks have picked up scoring from former Bradley  forwardAlmar Atlason (13.1 ppg), as well as several returning players. 

Miami is averaging 94.9 ppg, while UA has produced 97.1 ppg.  MU is first in field goal percentage (54.6%). Akron is second (53.2%). Both teams are also among the defensive leaders in opponent field goal percentage. Miami (41.5%) is right behind Bowling Green (41.2%). The Zips are third (42.1%).

Tavari Johnson (20.5 ppg) leads Zips scorers. Joining him in double figures are Amari Lyles (15.2 ppg), Shammah Scott (12.4 ppg) and Even Mahaffey (10.9 ppg). The latter is a son of former RedHawks player Jamie Mahaffey (92-95).  

MORE NOTES:

• THE SERIES WITH THE ZIPS: This Saturday's home contest against the Zips will be the 74th meeting between the two programs. Akron leads the series 33-40 all-time, as the Red and White are 23-13 when playing in Oxford against the Zips. Miami is currently on a three-game losing streak against the Zips, as the RedHawks' last victory (70-68) came at home on Jan. 27, 2024.

•  MORE ABOUT AKRON: Akron is currently 10-3 (1-0 MAC), as the Zips are currently on a two-game winning streak. Akron went 28-7 (17-1 MAC) last year. Head coach John Groce is in his ninth season with the Zips. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Akron was selected to finish first overall in the 2025-26 MAC Preseason Men's Basketball Poll. Senior guard Tavari Johnson was selected to the Preseason First Team All-MAC, while senior wing Evan Mahaffey and graduate student guard Shammah Scott were both named Second Team All-MAC.

•  Johnson leads the Zips in points (20.5/game) and assists (5.1/game). Senior forward Amani Lyles has totaled the most rebounds (6.5/game). Mahaffey (1.7/game) and Johnson (1.4/game) lead the team in steals, while redshirt junior Chabi Barre (hasn't played since 12/13 versus Murray State), Lyles (0.7/game) and Mahaffey (0.7/game) have produced the most blocks. 

•  MORE ABOUT MIAMI: Miami ranks among the top of the nation in numerous statistical categories heading into this game, which includes being first in the country in effective field goal percentage (0.643), first in field goal percentage (54.6), first in three-point percentage (43.6), fifth in threes per game (11.8), fifth in scoring offense (94.9), 11th in scoring margin (23.0), 14th in free throw percentage (77.8), 22nd in bench points per game (35.36), 29th in defensive rebounds per game (28.50), 35th in assist/turnover ratio (1.64) and 37th in assists per game (18.1/game).