Akron Zips Defeat Buffalo Bulls in MAC Tournament Quarterfinal

No. 2 seed Akron advances to semifinals after late-game scare from No. 7 Buffalo

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:35pm

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The Akron Zips men's basketball team defeated the Buffalo Bulls 73-70 in the quarterfinal round of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) tournament. The No. 2 seed Zips led by as many as 16 points but had to hold off a late comeback attempt by the No. 7 seed Bulls. Akron's Tavari Johnson scored a game-high 25 points, while Buffalo's Ryan Sabol hit six 3-pointers to keep the game close down the stretch. The Zips will face the winner of No. 3 Kent State and No. 6 Ohio in the semifinals on Friday.

Why it matters

This win keeps Akron's hopes alive for a MAC tournament championship and potential NCAA Tournament berth. The Zips were the regular season co-champions of the MAC and are looking to claim the conference's automatic bid to the Big Dance. For Buffalo, the loss ends their season after a hard-fought effort to nearly pull off the upset.

The details

Akron led by as much as 71-58 late in the game, but Buffalo made a furious comeback attempt. The Bulls hit four 3-pointers in the final four minutes to cut the deficit to 71-70 with 1:19 remaining. However, Buffalo missed all four of their 3-point attempts in the final minute, and Akron's Tavari Johnson hit two free throws to seal the victory.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • Akron and Buffalo met in the quarterfinal round of the MAC tournament.
  • The semifinals will be played on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The players

Tavari Johnson

Akron's leading scorer with 25 points in the game.

Ryan Sabol

Buffalo's junior guard who scored 24 points and hit six 3-pointers in the loss.

Amani Lyles

Akron forward who had 16 rebounds to help the Zips win the battle on the boards.

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What they’re saying

“We must have gotten a little comfortable with the lead, but credit to Buffalo for not giving up. Our guys stepped up when it mattered most to secure the win.”

— John Groce, Akron Head Coach

What’s next

Akron will face the winner of No. 3 Kent State and No. 6 Ohio in the MAC Tournament semifinals on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

The takeaway

Akron's victory keeps their hopes alive for a MAC Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament berth, while Buffalo's season comes to an end after a valiant effort to nearly pull off the upset.