PDF Box Score

GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN — Akron shot a season-high 56.3 percent from the floor, including a sizzling 64 percent in the second half, to hand Western Kentucky its first loss of the season, 72-53, in the first round of the Cayman Islands Classic Monday.
 
Akron will play LSU in the semifinal round at 1:30 p.m. eastern time Tuesday, while Western Kentucky will meet Illinois State at 11 a.m. in the consolation round.
 
Forward Enrique Freeman had 18 points, sinking seven of eight shots to pace a balanced scoring attack for Akron which improved to 2-1.
 
Freeman enjoyed his third double-double of the season by grabbing 11 rebounds. 
 
Guard Xavier Castanenda added 16 points for the Zips, including 11 in the second half.
 
Freeman scored five points, triggering a 10-0 run by Akron to start the second half as the Zips owned a 42-32 lead they never relinquished. Akron opened the second half making seven of its first 10 shots from the floor.
 
Guard Emmanuel Akot led Western Kentucky with 13 points, while guard Dayvion McKnight collected 12 points.
 
Guard Greg Tribble collected 11 rebounds for Akron which owned a commanding 43-16 advantage in rebounding. That paved the way for Akron to score 19 second-chance points compared to five by Western Kentucky.