Written by: Sartaj Aujla

The University of Akron’s men’s basketball team finished the Puerto Rico Tip-Off tournament with a win over Penn State on Sunday, 85-60.

Akron went 2-1 in the tournament and finished in fifth place. Oklahoma State won the first game by one point, but the Zips answered with consecutive wins over UNC Asheville, 82-63, and Penn State, 85-60.

Five games into the season, Akron’s record stands at 3-2.

Akron took on Penn State looking to land in the top five.

Four minutes into the game, the Zips trailed 18-13. A layup from Zips center Pat Forsythe brought the score to 18-15.

The Zips fought for their first lead in the game.

Zips center Zeke Marshall nailed two free throws to bring the score to Akron’s advantage, 30-29.

The Lions answered with two free throws of their own, bringing the score to 31-30.

At the end of the first half, the Zips were down by four, 36-32.

The Zips would not back down.

They went on a 13-3 run to open up the second half, capped off by a layup from Nick Harney.

The Zips held on to their lead later in the half, 64-46.

Reggie McAdams closed the game with a three to end the game 85-60.

Zeke Marshall was the most productive for the Zips.

He posted 17 points, seven rebounds and six blocked shots.

The Zips had an offensive explosion in the second half. They outscored Penn State 53-24.

The Zips will enjoy a two-week break before heading back to the James A. Rhodes Arena on Sunday, Dec. 2, when they take on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at 2 p.m.