Akron Basketball Shocks Nation: Zips’ Buzzer-Beater Upset Ignites March Madness

Akron, Ohio—The University of Akron men’s basketball program has crashed the March Madness party for a third straight year, and this time the No. 12-seeded Zips believe they’re built for a breakthrough. Head coach John Groce’s 29-5 squad meets No. 5 seed Texas Tech on Friday, March 20, at 12:40 p.m. in Tampa with a spot in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 32 on the line. Historic momentum • Akron just became the first Mid-American Conference program to win three consecutive league tournament titles, edging Toledo 79-76 on Shammah Scott’s clutch three-pointer with 6.4 seconds left. • The 29 victories are already a single-season school record, and the Zips rank seventh nationally in scoring at 88.4 points per game. Star power to watch 1. Tavari Johnson – MAC Tournament MVP; 20.1 ppg, 5.0 apg, .870 FT. 2. Amani Lyles – 15 points, 16 boards in the title game; averages 8.1 rpg. 3. Shammah Scott – 81 made threes and the team’s late-game closer. Red-hot opponent Texas Tech (22-10) arrives as the national leader in three-pointers per game (11.5) behind All-Big 12 forward JT Toppin (21.8 ppg, 10.8 rpg) and assist maestro Christian Anderson (7.6 apg). The Red Raiders, however, have dropped three straight, including a 75-53 Big 12 quarterfinal loss to Iowa State. Keys for an Akron upset • Control tempo: Akron averages 18.4 assists and shoots 50.3 percent; crisp ball movement must create clean looks before Tech’s perimeter defense sets. • Win the glass: The Zips are +5.0 in rebound margin; limiting Toppin’s second-chance points is critical. • Perimeter punch: Akron buries 10.9 threes per contest; matching Texas Tech’s long-range barrage will stretch the Red Raiders’ defense. Fan frenzy and viewing info Zips Nation can catch the action on truTV or stream via NCAA March Madness Live; a university-sanctioned watch party is also set at LeBron James’ House Three Thirty in Akron. Why it matters Akron is 0-6 all-time in Division I NCAA Tournament games. A win Friday would not only shatter that ceiling but also spotlight the MAC on the sport’s biggest stage, elevating recruiting and regional interest in Ohio college hoops. With record-setting offense, veteran leadership and a fan base starving for a signature March moment, the Zips have all the ingredients to turn “Akron basketball” into this week’s bracket-busting headline.