Plybon’s record night leads Zips over Canisius, 73-64

By Jake Allen, Sports Editor

The University of Akron women’s basketball team defeated Canisius College on Sunday, 73-64, as guard Hannah Plybon posted a career night by making a school-record nine 3-pointers.

The victory improves the Zips’ record to 2-1 on the season, while the Griffins fall to 1-2.

Plybon’s monster game from deep gave her 39 points. She made nine of 14 3-pointers and all six free throws she attempted. She also pulled in six rebounds and recorded two assists in 37 minutes.

Also for the Zips, Megan Sefcik came off the bench with 12 points on 3-5 shooting from deep and 3-3 from the foul line. Forward Greta Burry had seven points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, while Alex Ricketts added six points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

The Griffins of Canisius were led by guard Lauren D’Hont, who scored 16 points with seven rebounds. Also, Sara Hinriksdottir scored 15 points off the bench with seven rebounds, six assists, and five blocks.

The Zips got off to a great start, leading the Griffins 31-13 after one quarter. Akron never trailed in the game, and they led all the way after Plybon made her first 3-pointer less than two minutes into the game. The sharpshooter made five of her treys in the first quarter.

Akron was then outscored in the second quarter, 14-13, as Plybon scored only four points on four free throws. Plybon then made two more 3-pointers in the third quarter as Akron led 56-42 going into the final frame.

After making three field goals from inside the arc to start the fourth quarter, Plybon made back-to-back 3-pointers to break the Zips’ school record and ice the game away for good. The senior finished the fourth quarter with 14 points.

The 3-point line was the key to the game for the Zips again, as they made 13 of 22 3-pointers (59 percent) compared to six of 29 (20 percent) made by Canisius. Also, Akron outrebounded the Griffins 44-28, and survived a season-high 22 turnovers.

Last Wednesday, the Zips fell to Penn State, 84-71, in the Zips’ first loss of the season. Plybon scored 22 points in the loss, while Ricketts (14 points), Sefcik (11), and Burry (10) provided secondary scoring for Akron. The Zips were trailing by just four points entering the fourth quarter, but were outscored 19-10 to end the game.

The Zips will have to wait more than a week to get back to game action. The team hosts Bucknell on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Tip off is set for 10:30 a.m. at James A. Rhodes Arena.