Sports

Ohio’s season comes to an end against Akron 65-62 in the MAC Tournament Semifinals

By: Maria Monesi
Posted on: Saturday, March 16, 2024

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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOUB) – Ohio fell short 65-62 in a battle with Akron in the MAC Tournament Semifinals. 

Following a wire-to-wire victory over Western Michigan in the opening round of the MAC Tournament, Ohio had momentum. It went into its fourth straight MAC Semifinals game as winners of seven straight.

Out of the gate, it was a heavy-weight fight. Akron jumped out to an 8-2 lead, but Ohio responded. 

The Bobcat defense gave the Zips problems, forcing 15 turnovers and only allowing 16 points in the first half. This propelled the Bobcats to go into the locker room with a 26-16 lead. 

“To hold them to 16 at halftime, phenomenal job by our guys,” head coach Jeff Boals said. “They pose a lot of problems because of (Enrique) Freeman, you game plan around him.”

Freeman proved to be a problem in the second half. The MAC Player of the Year finished with a game-high 24 points. He also had 21 rebounds which set the MAC Tournament single game record for rebounds. 

“Enrique (Freeman) plays hard,” sophomore Aidan Hadaway said. “He’s player of the year for a reason. His arm is just so long he reaches over everybody it’s hard to keep him off the glass.”

It was neck and neck for a majority of the second half. With just over three minutes remaining in the game, Akron held a nine point lead following an 11-0 run. 

The Bobcats clawed their way back and a 3-pointer from Jaylin Hunter made it a one possession game, 59-56. The Zips then had a pair of free throws that extended their lead to five as the Bobcats tried to come back. 

A layup from Hunter cut Ohio’s deficit, 61-58. After a free throw from Freeman, Miles Brown answered with a layup to put Ohio back within three.  

Ali Ali and Hunter both made free throws to make it a one score game. In the final seconds, Jaylin Hunter attempted a shot that hit the backboard as Ohio’s season came to a close, 65-62. 

Hunter has been with Ohio for two seasons and reflected on what being a part of the team has been like for him. 

“Definitely just blessed and grateful to have made it this far with this team and coach (Jeff) Boals and these guys for the last two years we’ve just gotten closer and closer everyday,” Hunter said. 

As for Boals, he said he has continued to see his team develop. 

“Just the growth from our guys throughout the course of the year and the way we finished the season,” Boals said. “This game doesn’t define who they are and what they are as a team. Like I told them, they are a fun group to be around, so it’s hard not to coach them another day.”

No. 2 Akron will face off against No. 8 Kent State in the MAC Championship Game on March 16.