Akron men's basketball extends home win streak in Senior Night blowout

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Akron men's basketball extends home win streak in Senior Night blowout

Michael Beaven, Akron Beacon Journal

Sat, Mar 7, 2026 ·

5 min read

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There were smiles, tears, conversations and laughs on the court inside Rhodes Arena just before 6 p.m. Friday, March 6.

And then there was domination as the University of Akron men's basketball team rolled to a 94-55 win over Northern Illinois in the Mid-American Conference regular-season finale for both teams.

Akron (26-5, 17-1) celebrated its five seniors on Senior Night with a pregame ceremony, and then proceeded to make 18 of 27 shots from beyond the 3-point arc and extend its home win streak to 31 games .

The home win streak is the longest for Akron since Rhodes Arena opened in 1983, breaking the program record at the venue previously set from 2015-2017.

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Akron Zips vs NIU, Mid-American Conference basketball game photos

University of Akron men’s basketball student-fans draw letter on each other’s torsos to eventually spell out “Go Zips!” before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against Northern Illinois University, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.

(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron student-fans ready themselves for a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron student-fans pregame for a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) is honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Shammah Scott (1) is honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) is honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) is honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) is honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips men’s basketball seniors are honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Hassan 'Tre' Washington (7) wins tipoff for a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) looks to shoot during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

ZIps fans cheer in the opening minute of a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) shoots for three points over NIU’s Hassan 'Tre' Washington (7) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) shoots for three points against NIU during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) passes during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) vies for a rebound against NIU defense during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) dunks during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Sharron Young (3) shoots under pressure from NIU’s Dylan Ducommun (25) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Eric Mahaffey (4) shoots against NIU during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) runs into NIU defensive traffic during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Gianni Cobb (0) guards a UA inbound pass during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) eyes the basket during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Marvin Musiime-Kamali (23) blocks an NIU two point attempt during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s coach Rashon Burno has some words for his defense during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Sharron Young (3) shoots from downtown during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Carlos Coronado (2) recovers a loose ball on a rebound attempt during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) eyes the basket during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Gianni Cobb (0) listens in during a timeout in a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Gianni Cobb (0) watches for the Zips’ inbound pass position after a timeout in a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) is fouled during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) eyes his free-throw during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Shammah Scott (1) drives the lane during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Shammah Scott (1) launches a three pointer during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Shammah Scott (1) eyes a bucket during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Sharron Young (3) looks to the baseline audience during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ coach John Groce during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

The Zips men’s basketball team concludes a timeout during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) eyes a teammate to pass to during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) shoots during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) shoots during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Shammah Scott (1) looks to pass during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

The Zips student-fan section cheers on the team during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Hassan 'Tre' Washington (7) puts up two points during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) shoots during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) drives around NIU defense during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) floats two points over NIU’s Carlos Coronado (2) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Dylan Ducommun (25), left, gets into a brief scuffle with Akron Zips’ Sharron Young (3) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) eyes his shot during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) is fouled by NIU’s Gustav Winther (96) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) eyes a free-throw after being fouled by NIU’s Gustav Winther (96) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) looks to shoot while being guarded by NIU’s Dylan Ducommun (25) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Eric Mahaffey (4) shoots for three against NIU during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Chabi Barre (8) rebounds while being guarded by NIU’s Taj Walters (6) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ coach John Groce makes a point during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron cheerleaders perform during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Sandra Kurt, clerk of Akron’s Municipal Courtd sings and dances during a timeout in a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Taj Walters (6) shoots during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) shoots as NIU’s Gustav Winther (96) guards during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron student-fans cheer during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) returns to the floor after being fouled during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) shoots a free-throw during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) sets up three points during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) shoots for two during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Marvin Musiime-Kamali (23) nabs a rebound against NIU’s Gustav Winther (96) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) looks for room to shoot against NIU during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Marvin Musiime-Kamali (23) is fouled by Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ coach John Groce has an exchange of friendly words with officials during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Marvin Musiime-Kamali (23) eyes a free throw during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) sets up three points during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) dribbles around NIU’s Carlos Coronado (2) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) rebounds during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Sharron Young (3) looks to pass during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron also matched No. 1-ranked Duke and No. 19 Miami for the longest active streak in NCAA Division I men's basketball.

"It's exciting to get those wins at the JAR," Akron senior Amani Lyles said. "The fans are always great and it's an accomplishment that not many teams or programs can say they've done."

Akron coach John Groce started his five seniors — Lyles, Bowen Hardman, Tavari Johnson, Evan Mahaffey and Shammah Scott — after they were recognized with family members and received framed jerseys.

"Every single one of them, I just love them to death," Groce said. "They are great dudes."

"At first I wasn't feeling any emotion," Lyles said. "I was trying to focus on the game, but then I saw coach Groce kind of tearing up when we did the walk out [with family before tipoff]. It kind of got to me a little bit, just looking around, the crowd, the atmosphere, the culture the school has. I was thinking back to when I started and where I came from. So, I just appreciate Akron so much for showing me so much and developing me as a player and a man. I love this school."

Akron never trailed and led 47-27 at halftime. Hardman made his fifth and final 3-pointer of the game to give Akron its largest lead, 83-39, with 7:12 remaining in the second half.

"We definitely played very well tonight," Hardman said. "We played unselfish. One heart, one mind, right? That's one of the things coach Groce has emphasized to us. We have so much talent on the floor. It's one of those things where it can be anybody's night. It could be mine, TJ's, Amani's, Evan's, Shammah's night. It was just a great night for us. It's something that's going to propel us to get ready for Cleveland [and the MAC Tournament]."

Akron's 26 wins are the most it has had in a regular season. The Zips also now own the best two-year stretch in MAC regular season history with a 34-2 record.

Akron Zips' Bowen Hardman (15) shoots a 3-pointer during a game against Northern Illinois on March 6, 2026, in Akron. — Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) shoots a 3-pointer during a game against Northern Illinois on March 6, 2026, in Akron.

"This has been the best few years of basketball in my life," Scott said. "The group of guys that I've been with going back to Enrique [Freeman], Greg [Tribble Jr.], Ali [Ali] and now Amani, Evan, TJ, Bowen and the rest of the guys, like, it's just been a great experience. ... We've won a lot here, had a lot of great teams and had a lot of success. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to play here."

Hardman made 7 of 8 shots from the field, including 5 of 6 from 3-point range, and his only free throw to lead Akron with 20 points and two assists in 20 minutes.

Akron will be the No. 2 seed in the MAC Tournament and will play No. 7 Buffalo (17-14, 7-11) in a quarterfinal on Thursday, March 12, at a time to be determined. No. 1 seed Miami (31-0, 18-0) won 110-108 in overtime over host Ohio (15-16, 9-9) Friday.

Groce said his players "did a lot of really good things" against NIU.

"The last couple of weeks we've gotten a lot of momentum where we've played, I think, pretty good basketball at both ends of the floor fairly consistently," Groce said. "That's what we were trying to do, was get some momentum heading into Cleveland. I thought we played really well at Western [Michigan], at Ball State and at Kent. The other night we didn't have E [Eric Mahaffey against Central Michigan], and I was really proud of the way the guys stepped up and made some plays."

Lyles also shot very well against NIU, making 6 of 7 shots from the field, including 3 of 3 on 3s, and both of his free throws to finish with 17 points, five rebounds and two steals in 25 minutes.

Akron sophomore Sharron Young made 4 of 6 3s and had 12 points, six rebounds and two steals. Mahaffey made his only 3-point attempt and totaled 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.

"Every second here, I've loved it," Mahaffey said. "Being around these guys, I've loved it. The coaching staff and there support constantly throughout the year, this program is special."

Johnson, the MAC's leading scorer, had 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. Scott contributed eight points and seven assists. Redshirt freshmen Eric Mahaffey and Conner Groce chipped in six points and four points, respectively.

"We started getting stops and it was a domino effect," Johnson said. "… Our defensive side allowed us to run in transition and score points."

Akron improved to 35-14 overall against Northern Illinois and 21-3 at home.

Groce improved to 194-93 as Akron's coach since being hired in 2017 and is 121-15 at home. The Zips are 163-59 overall since the start of the 2019-20 season and 100-28 in the MAC during that same span.

Sophomore Gianni Cobb scored 15 points in NIU's final men's basketball game in the MAC. The school will join the Mountain West Conference for football, the Horizon League for the majority of the sports it offers and has submitted a request to the MAC for its wrestling and gymnastics programs to remain in the league as affiliate members.

NIU (9-21, 4-14) tied for last in the MAC with Eastern Michigan (10-21, 4-14) and Western Michigan (10-21, 4-14).

Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron men's basketball extends home win streak ahead of MAC Tournament

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