Preview: Akron Looks to Extend Win Streak Against Eastern Michigan

YPSILANTI, Mich. (Interstat) — The surging Akron Zips, winners of seven straight, will face the struggling Eastern Michigan Eagles in a Mid-American Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday at the Convocation Center.

Akron (16-4 overall) enters as one of the league’s hottest teams, having not lost since Jan. 3. The Zips are coming off a dominant 69-52 home victory over Kent State last Friday. Eastern Michigan (9-12) seeks to halt a four-game skid, most recently falling 70-67 at Massachusetts on Saturday.

The matchup features a stark contrast in momentum. Akron’s winning streak includes convincing road victories at Ohio and Buffalo, with the offense averaging 82.1 points per game during the run. Eastern Michigan has struggled defensively in its losses, allowing an average of 88.3 points in the last three defeats.

A key player to watch is Akron guard Tavari Johnson, who has been instrumental in the Zips’ success. Over his last seven games, Johnson is averaging 18 points and 6.3 assists per contest, including a 25-point, 7-assist performance in a win over Toledo on Jan. 27. He scored 16 points with four assists in the win over Kent State.

Eastern Michigan will counter with guard Mohammad Habhab, who has been a bright spot during the difficult stretch. Habhab is averaging 14.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists over his last seven games. He posted a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double in a double-overtime loss to Kent State on Jan. 24 and scored 15 points with four assists at UMass.

In their most recent outings, Akron’s Bowen Hardman added 15 points off the bench against Kent State, while Eastern Michigan’s Gregory Lawson scored 20 points in the narrow loss to the Minutemen.

The game marks the start of a critical February stretch for both teams as they position themselves for the MAC tournament. Akron will visit Troy on Saturday, while Eastern Michigan travels to Appalachian State the same day.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Tuesday at the Convocation Center on the campus of Eastern Michigan University.