MAC basketball round-up for Saturday’s games

Va. Commonwealth 57, Akron 52

AKRON — Jamal Shuler scored 19 points to lead Virginia Commonwealth. Shuler’s 3-pointer with 5:49 remaining sparked a 10-5 run that helped the Rams build a 51-44 lead with 2:28 remaining. Akron narrowed the gap to 51-49 with about a minute left, but Shuler, Joey Rodriguez and Michael Anderson closed out the game with free throws. Eric Maynor added 14 points for the Rams (21-6), who have won two straight. Cedrick Middleton led Akron (19-8) with 17 points. Nick Dials and Jeremiah Wood each scored 14, and Wood also had 12 rebounds.

Ohio 69, George Mason 57

ATHENS — Bubba Walther scored 21 points and Ohio closed the game with a 22-9 run. The Patriots (19-9) used a 16-0 run in the first half to lead 32-19 at the break. Ohio (18-9) took the lead for good at 49-48 on Walther’s jumper with 5:31 remaining — and never trailed again as the Bobcats scored 14 of the next 17 points. Leon Williams had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Bert Whittington 12 points and Jerome Tillman 10 for the Bobcats, who won their 20th consecutive non-conference game at home.

Folarin Campbell scored 18 points and John Vaughan had 12 for the Patriots.

E. Michigan 86, SE Missouri St. 82

YPSILANTI, Mich. — Jarred Axon scored a career-high 29 points and Carlos Medlock added 24, including 19 in the second half, to help Eastern Michigan defeat Southeast Missouri State. Justin Dobbins also had 10 points for the Eagles (11-15), who have won three of their last four games and four straight at home. Jaycen Herring had 19 points and Kenard Moore added 18 for the Redhawks (12-17).

Associated Press