Akron powers past Bowling Green 80-66, into MAC championship

CLEVELAND (AP) Isaiah Johnson bulled his way for 23 points and top-seeded Akron advanced to the Mid-American Tournament championship with an 80-66 semifinal win over No. 12 seed Bowling Green on Friday night.

Johnson, a burly 6-foot-10 junior, scored 11 straight points during one stretch in the second half as the Zips (26-7) moved into the final for the eighth time in 10 years.

Akron will play the Ohio-Buffalo winner in Saturday's championship for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Jake Kretzer scored 15 and Reggie McAdams added 14 for the Zips, who went inside to the Johnson whenever they needed a basket.

Freshman Antwon Lillard scored 12 and Spencer Parker 11 for the Falcons (16-18), who upset Kent State and Central Michigan to make their first semifinal since 2009.

Bowling Green was still within eight before McAdams scored and Antino Jackson hit a 3-pointer with 4:08 left to put Akron ahead by 13.