Akron Zips Senior Class Seeks First-Ever NCAA Tournament Win

Akron's veteran squad looks to cap off careers with historic tournament victory

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:51am

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The Akron Zips men's basketball team is headed to the NCAA Tournament for the eighth time in program history, and the fourth time in the last five seasons under head coach John Groce. Led by a veteran senior class, the Zips are seeking their first-ever Division I NCAA Tournament win after falling short in their previous three appearances. Akron will face the Texas Tech Raiders, a tough Big 12 opponent, in the opening round.

Why it matters

The Zips' senior class has already made history by becoming the first men's team in Mid-American Conference history to win three consecutive tournament championships. Now they have a chance to cement their legacy by leading Akron to its first NCAA Tournament victory at the Division I level.

The details

Akron earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning the MAC Tournament championship, defeating Toledo in the final. The Zips are led by a veteran starting five that includes senior guards Shammah Scott and Tavari Johnson, as well as forward Amani Lyles. Texas Tech, the No. 5 seed in the Midwest Region, presents a formidable challenge with their physical style of play and strong 3-point shooting. The Raiders are looking to fill the void left by the season-ending injury to star big man JT Toppin.

  • Akron won the MAC Tournament championship on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • The Zips will face Texas Tech in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

John Groce

The head coach of the Akron Zips men's basketball team, leading the program to three straight MAC Tournament titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances in the last five seasons.

Shammah Scott

A senior guard for the Akron Zips and a native of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Scott became the second player in MAC history to win Sixth Man of the Year in consecutive seasons.

Evan Mahaffey

A senior guard for the Akron Zips, transferring from Ohio State to play a key role in the team's success over the past four years.

Grant McCasland

The head coach of the Texas Tech Raiders, known for his teams' physical and tough style of play.

Christian Anderson

The starting guard for the Texas Tech Raiders, leading the Big 12 Conference in minutes played and ranking among the league leaders in points and assists.

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What they’re saying

“It was surreal and awesome. It's obviously a privilege to be in the tournament, to compete in it, to be a part of March Madness.”

— John Groce, Head Coach, Akron Zips

“I know our whole team's really excited just to have the opportunity to go down to Tampa and play a really good team. And have a really good opportunity to make history.”

— Evan Mahaffey, Senior Guard, Akron Zips

“We just got to play Akron basketball. We're in this position for a reason. Obviously, we're a very good team, and I feel like if we just stay together and play hard and just execute on our game plan, I feel like we could beat anybody.”

— Shammah Scott, Senior Guard, Akron Zips

What’s next

The winner of the Akron-Texas Tech matchup will face the winner of the Alabama-Hofstra game in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Akron's veteran-led squad has a chance to make history by earning the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament win at the Division I level. After three straight MAC Tournament titles and four tournament appearances in the last five years, the Zips are battle-tested and confident they can compete with any opponent in the Big Dance.