Akron Rolls, Advances To Paradise Jam Final

Tavari Johnson and Amani Lyles both scored a game-high 19 points, leading the way in a dominant offensive effort for the Akron Zips (5-1) in a 97-59 win over Evansville (3-4) on Sunday at the 2025 Paradise Jam.

With the win, Akron advances to face Yale in the Paradise Jam championship game at 9 p.m. AST Monday. Evansville faces Charleston in the third-place game at 6:30 p.m.

The two teams played even basketball through the first nine minutes of the contest, but Akron quickly opened its lead into double figures, taking an eight-point lead into the half. However, Akron seized the momentum in the opening minutes of the second half and never looked back.

Amani Lyles (17 points) and Evan Mahaffey (11 points) both landed in double figures for the Zips. The trio of Keishon Porter, Bryce Quinet, and AJ Casey all scored 13 points in the loss for Evansville.

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