F Josh Hill makes a slam dunk against Akron

Photo by Ibuki Hinohara | Staff Photographer

In their first game of the season, the Arkansas State Red Wolves lived up to all the preseason hype, defeating the Akron Zips in overtime 80-75.

The Red Wolves were picked as the favorites to win the Sun Belt Conference and advance to the NCAA Tournament in March. They also entered the game with the most efficient offense in the SBC. Akron finished last season as Mid-American Conference champions, and are the favorite to win the MAC again this season. 

“I’m extremely proud of our team,” head coach Brian Hodgson said. “The rest of college basketball is playing cupcake games today and making everybody feel good, where we get Akron who’s coming off of an NCAA Tournament and sending a kid to the NBA.” 

Point guard Terrance Ford Jr. made his first start in nearly two years in this game, and would lead the team in assists with 5. Forward Rashaud Marshall also returned for the Red Wolves to play at center after missing the exhibition game against Trevecca Nazarene to deal with family matters. Marshall was filling the role usually taken by forward Izaiyah Nelson, who is out with a foot injury.

A-State took a decent sized lead in the first half of play. Forward Kobe Julien led the way for the Red Wolves in scoring in the first half, including an early three-pointer and a fantastic dunk late in the half. The Zips were able to keep the game competitive thanks to guards Isaiah Gray and Sharron Young. By the end of the first half, the Red Wolves led Akron 40-30.

G Taryn Todd fights through the Akron defense

Photo by Ibuki Hinohara | Staff Photographer

Akron fought hard in the second half, and despite some crucial blocks from Julien and Marshall, the Zips managed to tie the game by the end of regulation, with a score of . Guard Joseph Pinion proved to be a major threat from the three-point line, going 4-for-5,  and by the end of the night led the Red Wolves in scoring. On one of the final plays of regulation, Terrance Ford hit a seemingly game-winning jumper, but upon review it was found to be a shot clock violation and did not count, so the game went to overtime. 

The Red Wolves defense allowed  just one goal from the field. A-State meanwhile scored 8 points in overtime to secure their first victory.

Pinion led the team in points with 16. Guard Derrian Ford was second in points, scoring 15 points. Marshall had a great game at center, scoring 4 points, leading the team in rebounds with 10, and getting 2 blocks. Marshall also received the Hard Hat Player award. Julien got 2 blocks as well, and scored 14 points.

“I think the biggest lesson we learned from this game is to stay ready,” Hodgson said. “I didn’t play Joseph Pinion for the first 16 minutes. I thought he was just okay his last couple of days of practice, bu the last couple of days of practice he really locked in. A lot of guys in that time, in 16 minutes will shut it down mentally, emotionally, physically, and he came in and helped us win a basketball game.”s.

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