The Akron Zips claimed the MAC Championship title, earning their spot in the NCAA Tournament after a thrilling showdown against rivals Kent State at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in downtown Cleveland. Last year, Kent State held the MAC Championship title, a reign they aimed to extend despite successive defeats to Akron in the regular season. The Zips, however, emerged victorious in the game’s final moments, capitalizing on late errors by the Golden Flashes to seize the 2024 MAC title.
Photo Cred: Megan Frey
This victory marks Akron’s fifth MAC championship, two of which were won in the last three years. The game was a back-and-forth battle from the start, with both teams fiercely competing for control. Nate Johnson set the tone early for Akron with a three-pointer, signaling the Zips’ early dominance.
In the first half, Ali and Freeman showcased their skills, with Ali scoring an impressive 14 points from beyond the arc and Freeman adding 8 points through free throws and strong drives to the basket. Together, they orchestrated a powerful offensive performance, leading Akron to a 34-29 halftime advantage over Kent State.However, the second half brought a dramatic shift in momentum as Kent State emerged from halftime with determination to rewrite their story of redemption.
Photo Cred: Megan Frey
With just under 13 minutes left, the Golden Flashes mounted a stunning comeback, erasing the deficit and taking the lead. In the face of adversity, Johnson stepped up for Akron, engineering a decisive 5-0 run of his own with a combination of baskets and a crucial free throw to regain control of the game. Can Akron make a run?
