Akron Zips Coach Reflects on MAC Title Rally

John Groce discusses his team's hard-fought victory over Toledo in the conference championship game.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:42am

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Akron Zips head coach John Groce spoke about his team's come-from-behind victory over the Toledo Rockets in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship game on March 14. Groce said the Zips had to "scratch and claw" to secure the title, highlighting the hard-fought nature of the game.

Why it matters

The MAC championship is a significant milestone for the Akron basketball program, as they look to build on their success and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Groce's comments provide insight into the team's mentality and determination in securing the conference title.

The details

The Zips trailed Toledo for much of the championship game before rallying late to secure the victory. Groce praised his team's resilience and effort in fighting back to claim the MAC crown.

  • The MAC championship game was played on March 14, 2026.

The players

John Groce

The head coach of the Akron Zips men's basketball team.

Toledo Rockets

The Akron Zips' opponent in the Mid-American Conference championship game.

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What they’re saying

“We had to scratch and claw to beat Toledo. It was a hard-fought game, but I'm proud of the way our guys battled back to win the MAC title.”

— John Groce, Head Coach, Akron Zips

What’s next

The Akron Zips will now turn their attention to the NCAA tournament, where they will look to make a deep run and potentially earn a spot in the Final Four.

The takeaway

Groce's comments highlight the resilience and determination of the Akron Zips, who were able to overcome a tough challenge from Toledo to claim the MAC championship. This victory sets the stage for the team's NCAA tournament aspirations as they aim to make a lasting impact on the national stage.