MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — The Akron Zips methodically dispatched the Central Michigan Chippewas 77-64 in a Mid-American Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at McGuirk Arena, maintaining their firm grip atop the league standings.

In a contest that lacked dramatic swings but showcased Akron’s persistent control, the Zips led for all but the opening 20 seconds, building a steady working margin that the Chippewas could never seriously threaten. A crowd of 1,901 watched as Akron improved to 23-5 overall and 15-1 in the MAC, while Central Michigan fell to 10-20 and 5-11.

The most critical phase of the game arrived early in the second half when Central Michigan mounted its only sustained push. After trailing by six at halftime, the Chippewas opened the period with a 7-2 run, capped by a Tamario Adley layup that trimmed Akron’s lead to 41-40 with 18:06 remaining. The Zips, however, responded with immediate composure. Shammah Scott answered with a turnaround jumper on the next possession, and after an Akron steal, Evan Mahaffey finished a fast-break dunk to push the lead back to five.

Central Michigan’s Jaxson Whitaker then hit a three-pointer to make it 44-42, but Akron’s Sharron Young responded in kind with a step-back three. The Chippewas would tie the game once more at 47-47 on another Whitaker triple, but the Zips again had a counter. Bowen Hardman sank a three-pointer on the ensuing trip down the floor to reclaim a lead Akron would not relinquish. That sequence typified the night: every Central Michigan mini-run was met with a decisive Akron basket, preventing the home team from ever seizing momentum or taking a lead.

Akron guard Tavari Johnson led all scorers with 17 points, adding four assists and two steals in 32 minutes. His backcourt mate, Sharron Young, provided 11 points and two assists. The Zips’ frontcourt balance was key, with Amani Lyles contributing 13 points and Evan Mahaffey adding nine points, four assists and a block. Bowen Hardman provided a significant spark off the bench, hitting five three-pointers for his 15 points.

Central Michigan was led by Logan McIntire’s 15 points, all coming from beyond the arc. Tamario Adley filled the stat sheet with 14 points, five assists and four steals, while Jaxson Whitaker scored 12 and Nathan Claerbaut added 11 points.

The game’s opening minutes set the tone. Central Michigan’s Claerbaut scored the game’s first four points, but Akron quickly settled in. A 9-0 run, fueled by five points from Hardman, gave the Zips a lead they would hold for the final 39 minutes of the game. Akron’s defense was disruptive throughout the first half, forcing nine Chippewas turnovers which led to 11 points. While not shooting a spectacular percentage, the Zips’ ability to generate extra possessions and capitalize on Central Michigan mistakes allowed them to build a 39-33 halftime advantage.

The second half followed a similar pattern of measured control by the visitors. After withstanding the early Chippewa push, Akron slowly stretched the lead. A Johnson three-pointer at the 9:35 mark gave the Zips a double-digit advantage at 58-47. Central Michigan would cut it to seven points on several occasions, but each time Akron found an answer, often through Johnson or Lyles in the paint. The lead ballooned to as many as 16 points in the final minutes before settling at the 13-point final margin.

Akron’s victory completed a regular-season sweep of the Chippewas, having won the prior meeting 82-69 on Jan. 6. The Zips, who entered the game as heavy favorites according to predictive metrics and the betting line, have now won nine of their last ten games. Their consistency on the road in conference play remained a hallmark, as they efficiently took care of business against a struggling Central Michigan squad.

The Zips return home to face Northern Illinois on Friday, looking to solidify their position for the upcoming MAC tournament. Central Michigan travels to face Ball State, also on Friday, seeking to snap a two-game skid.