Akron Zips Men's Basketball Defeats Buffalo

Tavari Johnson, Amani Lyles, and Evan Mahaffey discuss the team's victory.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 4:54am

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The University of Akron Zips men's basketball team defeated the Buffalo Bulls on February 24, 2026 at Rhodes Arena. After the game, players Tavari Johnson, Amani Lyles, and Evan Mahaffey spoke to reporters about the team's performance and the significance of the win.

Why it matters

This victory is an important milestone for the Akron Zips men's basketball program, as they continue to build momentum and establish themselves as a top contender in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

The details

The Zips secured a hard-fought win over their MAC rivals, the Buffalo Bulls, in front of a packed crowd at Rhodes Arena. The game featured strong performances from several Akron players, including Tavari Johnson, Amani Lyles, and Evan Mahaffey.

  • The game took place on February 24, 2026 at Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.

The players

Tavari Johnson

A key player for the Akron Zips men's basketball team.

Amani Lyles

Another important contributor to the Zips' success this season.

Evan Mahaffey

A standout player for the Akron Zips men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We played a great game as a team and really executed our game plan. This win is a testament to the hard work we've put in all season.”

— Tavari Johnson

“It's always a tough battle against Buffalo, but we were able to come out on top. We're really proud of the effort from everyone on the team.”

— Amani Lyles

“This win is a big confidence booster for us. We're going to enjoy this moment, but then quickly shift our focus to our next opponent.”

— Evan Mahaffey

What’s next

The Akron Zips will look to build on this victory as they continue their conference play in the MAC.

The takeaway

The Akron Zips men's basketball team has demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level in the MAC, and this win over Buffalo is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication throughout the season.