Johnson with 16 helps Akron beat W. Michigan 71-69

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Isaiah Johnson scored 16 points and made four free throws late to help Akron beat Western Michigan 71-69 on Saturday.

Drake LaMont tipped in David Brown's missed layup attempt, capping a 9-2 surge to give Western Michigan a 68-67 edge with 1:28 left.

Johnson made a pair of free throws to regain the lead for the Zips at the 1-minute mark. The Broncos' Tucker Haymond made one free throw but missed the second to tie it at 69 with 48 seconds left. Kwan Cheatham Jr. grabbed the defensive board, and Johnson was then fouled and drained both free throws with 27 seconds remaining.

David Brown missed a 3 and Haymond couldn't convert the tip-in at the buzzer to seal it for the Zips (13-6, 4-2 Mid-American).

Taylor Perry scored 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting to lead Western Michigan (13-6, 4-2).