Akron defeats Toledo 79-76 for 3rd straight MAC title

Reserve Shammah Scott's late 3-pointer lifts Zips to victory

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:48am

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Reserve Shammah Scott scored 12 points, including a game-winning 25-foot 3-pointer with six seconds left, to lead Akron to a 79-76 victory over Toledo in the Mid-American Conference championship game. Akron overcame a 12-point halftime deficit, outscoring Toledo 21-6 in a key 7-minute stretch in the second half to take the lead.

Why it matters

This is Akron's third straight MAC tournament championship, a first for the conference. The win earns the Zips an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to make a deep run after falling short in the first round the past two seasons.

The details

Akron forward Amani Lyles scored 15 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, while Tavari Johnson and Bowen Hardman each added 15 and 12 points respectively for the Zips. Toledo was led by Leroy Blyden Jr.'s 21 points, but the Rockets were unable to hold onto their 12-point halftime lead as Akron stormed back in the second half.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Cleveland.
  • Akron trailed 42-30 at halftime but outscored Toledo 21-6 in a 7-minute stretch early in the second half to take the lead.

The players

Shammah Scott

A reserve guard for Akron who hit the game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds.

Amani Lyles

Akron forward who scored 15 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in the victory.

Leroy Blyden Jr.

Toledo guard who led all scorers with 21 points in the losing effort.

Austin Parks

Toledo center who scored 13 points but missed a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have tied the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Akron's third straight MAC tournament championship is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the program's sustained excellence and ability to overcome deficits. The Zips will now set their sights on making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to prove themselves against the nation's best teams.