Akron Zips win third straight MAC tournament title with last-second 3-pointer

Shammah Scott's game-winning shot gives Akron a 79-76 victory over Toledo Rockets

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The No. 2 seed Akron Zips overcame a 12-point deficit to defeat the No. 4 Toledo Rockets 79-76 in the Mid-American Conference tournament championship game. Shammah Scott hit the game-winning 3-pointer with just 5 seconds remaining to give Akron their third straight MAC title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Akron's victory marks the first time a men's MAC team has won three consecutive tournament championships, solidifying the Zips as the dominant force in the conference. The win also earns Akron an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to make a deep run.

The details

Akron trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half but battled back in the second half, outscoring Toledo 49-34. The Zips shot just 25% from 3-point range in the first half but improved to 50% in the second half. Senior guards Eric Mahaffey and Tavari Johnson led the Zips' comeback effort, while forward Amani Lyles recorded a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026 at Rocket Arena.
  • Akron trailed by 12 points at halftime, 42-30.

The players

Shammah Scott

Akron Zips guard who hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 5 seconds remaining.

Amani Lyles

Akron Zips forward who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds.

Leroy Blyden Jr.

Toledo Rockets guard who scored a team-high 21 points in the first half.

Sonny Wilson

Toledo Rockets guard who dished out 8 assists but struggled shooting, going 3-of-14 from the field.

Austin Parks

Toledo Rockets center who scored the go-ahead basket for the Rockets late in the second half.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Akron will await Sunday's announcement of their NCAA Tournament opponent after earning the automatic bid with the MAC tournament championship.

The takeaway

Akron's thrilling comeback victory and Shammah Scott's game-winning 3-pointer capped off an impressive three-peat for the Zips in the MAC tournament, solidifying their status as the dominant force in the conference and earning them a spot in the NCAA Tournament where they will look to make a deep run.