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Akron opens men's basketball season with win at South Dakota State

michael beaven, akron beacon journal
·2 min read
Akron's forward Enrique Freeman turns to see who he can pass the ball to during a game at South Dakota State on Monday.
Akron's forward Enrique Freeman turns to see who he can pass the ball to during a game at South Dakota State on Monday.

It is safe to say that Mikal Dawson is returning to form just fine this season after dealing with a torn Achilles that sidelined him all of last season.

Dawson was one of five University of Akron men's basketball players to score in double figures Monday night as the Zips earned a 81-75 win over South Dakota State before a crowd of 2,617 at Frost Arena.

Akron coach John Groce took his team west for a challenge and gave South Dakota State just its 10th home loss since the 2011-2012 season. The Zips beat the Jackrabbits 81-80 in overtime at Rhodes Arena to open last season.

Dawson entered the game as a reserve and totaled 19 points and five rebounds in 24 minutes.

"It is a tough deal, and he has come back so well mentally, physically and with the way he moves," Groce said on Oct. 24 after a practice at Rhodes Arena.

Groce credited Dawson for his work ethic, and doctors, physical therapists and trainers at Akron Children's Hospital and at UA.

Akron head coach John Groce yells out to his team during a game at South Dakota State on Monday.
Akron head coach John Groce yells out to his team during a game at South Dakota State on Monday.

Akron's Enrique Freeman finished with 13 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in 34 minutes as Groce won his 299th game as a college head coach.

Akron's other double figure scorers were Sammy Hunter (16 points), Greg Tribble (11 points) and Nate Johnson (10 points, three steals).

Dawson and Hunter both made four 3-point shots. They combined to make 8 of 17 attempts.

Shammah Scott added seven points and three steals in his Akron debut and Tavari Johnson scored five points.

Akron's guard Shammah Scott looks for an opening at South Dakota State on Monday.
Akron's guard Shammah Scott looks for an opening at South Dakota State on Monday.

The Zips played without Ali Ali, who has not been cleared by the NCAA after his transfer back to Akron after one season at Butler.

South Dakota State guard Zeke Mayo scored a game-high 28 points, grabbed five rebounds and made a game-high four steals in 39 minutes. William Kyle III added 16 points, while Charlie Easley and Luke Appel both finished with 10 points for the Jackrabbits.

South Dakota State was picked to win The Summit League and Mayo was selected the conference's preseason player of the year.

Akron's guard Tavari Johnson cuts around SDSU's guard Bubz Alvarez on Monday.
Akron's guard Tavari Johnson cuts around SDSU's guard Bubz Alvarez on Monday.

Akron put together a 9-0 run in the first half to erase a 24-15 deficit. The Zips led 39-37 at halftime and put together a 6-0 run to extend the lead to 80-73 with 11 seconds remaining in the second half.

The Zips finished with a 36-26 rebounding advantage.

Akron plays its home opener vs. Southern Mississippi at 7 p.m. Friday.

Michael Beaven can be reached at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal and is on Twitter at @MBeavenABJ.

Akron's Enrique Freeman, left, and Mikal Dawson - in action during the MAC title game a year ago - combined for 32 points and 19 rebounds Monday at South Dakota State.
Akron's Enrique Freeman, left, and Mikal Dawson - in action during the MAC title game a year ago - combined for 32 points and 19 rebounds Monday at South Dakota State.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Mikal Dawson leads Akron to men's basketball win at South Dakota State