“The Akron Zips women’s basketball team lost at home Saturday afternoon to the Western Michigan Broncos 69-55, but on this day basketball wasn’t the most important issue. As part of Think Pink day at Rhodes arena, $610 was raised for the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund, a charitable organization committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against cancer by raising money for scientific research, assisting the underserved and unifying people for a common cause.”
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The Akron Zips women’s basketball team lost at home Saturday afternoon to the Western Michigan Broncos 69-55, but on this day basketball wasn’t the most important issue.
As part of Think Pink day at Rhodes arena, $610 was raised for the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund, a charitable organization committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against cancer by raising money for scientific research, assisting the underserved and unifying people for a common cause.
On a day when Keyla Snowden and fellow freshman excelled again, the biggest play was made by head coach Jodi Kest. Kest pledged $1 for every person in attendance, totaling $397.
The Kay Yow fund is such an important cause because no matter who you are, someone in your life has been affected by cancer, Kest said. It was great to see our fans come out and help us raise money to fight this terrible disease.
Snowden scored 11 of her team-high 14 points in the first half for Akron (7-18, 2-9 Mid-American Conference) as she continued to add to her record-setting season from behind the arc, connecting on four of her 10 attempts from 3-point range. She also reached double figures in scoring for the 18th time. Kara Murphy scored 13 for the Zips, recording her 20th double-digit performance of the season.
Despite shooting 36 percent for the game, the West Division-leading Broncos (11-14, 8-3) dominated the paint with a 30-14 advantage and out-rebounded UA 51-30.
When neither team shoots well, it comes down to the little things, Kest said. Western Michigan had 11 more offensive rebounds, they played well together and did what they needed to in the second half to win. We got out-worked today.
For Western Michigan Ebony Cleary matched a career-high with 17 points to lead the way while Sarah Vest added her own career-best 14 points on 8-of-8 shooting from the free throw line. Tiera DeLaHousaye chipped in game-highs in rebounds (10) and assists (8). The visitors also received a large contribution from their bench as they outscored UA’s reserves, 25-14.
Even though the basketball game resulted in a loss, it was a winning day in the eyes of many because of the cancer research money that was raised. The Akron women return to action this Wednesday when they host Ohio University at Rhodes Arena. Tip-off for that contest is slated for 7 p.m. EST.
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