CLEVELAND — The Akron men's basketball team is returning to the NCAA Tournament and the Zips did it in dramatic fashion Saturday night at Rocket Arena in front of a national television audience.
Nate Johnson , the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, hit a game-winning, floating layup with 2.3 seconds left to give Akron a 76-74 win over Miami in the MAC Tournament title game. It's Akron's second consecutive MAC tourney title.
After Miami guard Evan Ipsaro missed a hook shot contested by UA guard Tavari Johnson with 8 seconds remaining, Akron guard Nate Johnson ran the floor on a fast break and made a game-winning floating layup in the lane with 2.3 seconds remaining after a long outlet pass from Zips forward Amani Lyles, who had grabbed a defensive rebound after Ipsaro missed.
After Johnson's clutch shot, Ipsaro fired a desperation shot from beyond half court and missed as the Zips held on for the victory.
Johnson, who was named MAC Tournament MVP, finished with 22 points to lead UA. The Zips find out Sunday who, when and where they will play in the NCAA Tournament.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron basketball's Nate Johnson hits late shot to win MAC Tournament
