For the second time in three years, the Akron Zips are headed to the Men’s NCAA Tournament.
On Saturday night in front of a raucous crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Zips edged their rival Kent State Golden Flashes by a final score of 62-61.
Players from the 2023-24 Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates its MAC Championship and NCAA Tournament berth after defeating Kent State 62-61. (Photo Credit: Spencer Davies/Hoop Industry)
It was a game that was decided by a mental mistake heard around the world, but to Akron’s credit, the team took advantage.
After Cli’ron Hornbeak’s putback put Kent on top with just over five seconds remaining in the game, Julius Rollins fouled Greg Tribble as he pushed it up the floor.
Tribble knocked down two key free throws to put the Zips ahead by a point with 4.8 seconds left. The Flashes then put the ball in the hands of Jalen Sullinger, who drove the length of the court but didn’t convert on a float attempt fading out of bounds, securing the victory for Akron.
Akron Zips have punched their ticket to the Men’s NCAA Tournament with a 62-61 win over the Kent State Golden Flashes in the MAC Tournament Championship game. #MACtion @HoopIndustry pic.twitter.com/5Fcy4VyxJv
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) March 17, 2024
Kent State big man VonCameron Davis left it all on the floor with a game-high 21 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Sullinger found his mark in the second half, finishing with 19 points and eight boards.
Ali Ali led Akron in the points department, scoring 18 with a terrific first half that brought the Zips back to take the lead going into halftime. MAC Player of the Year and MAC Tournament MVP Enrique Freeman recorded 17 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, converting on clutch possessions as he’s done all season.
Nate Johnson was huge for Akron as well with seven points, including a closeout-attacking fadeaway and a three-point bucket. Shammah Scott also drilled a deep ball with the shot clock expiring late in the game that kept the Flashes at bay.
Akron Zips celebrate their Men’s MAC Tournament championship at center court. All smiles 🦘 #MACtion pic.twitter.com/YFIfZZy7FL
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) March 17, 2024
The Zips will find out who their opponent will be in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday evening. Congratulations to John Groce and Akron!
That’s a wrap from the Men’s MAC Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Congrats to the Akron Zips, who are going dancing in the NCAA Tournament 🦘 #MACtion #MarchMadness @HoopIndustry @ZipsMBB pic.twitter.com/o1bilV9hlZ
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) March 17, 2024
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