Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips head coach John Groce plays up to the cameras as he accepts the Mid-American Conference championship after beating the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott hugs his family after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts at the end of the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks for a layup against Toledo Rockets forward Jaylan Ouwinga (32) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott catches a piece of confetti during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
The Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots a three against the Toledo Rockets during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) throws down a dunk between Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and guard Evan Mahaffey (12) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) shoots against a pair of Toledo defenders during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) battles for the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates as Akron comes back during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron guard Tavari Johnson celebrates with teammates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips head coach John Groce gives an official an earful during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) celebrates after a three during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
An Akron cheerleader performs during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) puts up a shot during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks to the basket for a layup over Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) and Toledo Rockets guard Mynor Strong (5) fights for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) looks for a layup ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) and center Austin Parks (25) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) celebrates after a three during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) controls the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Toledo Rockets forward Sean Craig (7) and Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) fight for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
An Akron Zips player shows off his section of net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots over Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with guard Zach Halligan after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips head coach John Groce celebrates his third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship win with Sandy Hamad at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson cuts down the net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
1/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
2/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce plays up to the cameras as he accepts the Mid-American Conference championship after beating the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
3/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott hugs his family after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
4/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts at the end of the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
5/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks for a layup against Toledo Rockets forward Jaylan Ouwinga (32) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
6/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott catches a piece of confetti during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
7/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
The Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
8/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots a three against the Toledo Rockets during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
9/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) throws down a dunk between Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and guard Evan Mahaffey (12) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
10/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) shoots against a pair of Toledo defenders during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
11/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) battles for the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
12/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates as Akron comes back during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
13/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron guard Tavari Johnson celebrates with teammates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
14/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce gives an official an earful during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
15/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) celebrates after a three during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
16/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
An Akron cheerleader performs during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
17/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) puts up a shot during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
18/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks to the basket for a layup over Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
19/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) and Toledo Rockets guard Mynor Strong (5) fights for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
20/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) looks for a layup ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) and center Austin Parks (25) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
21/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) celebrates after a three during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
22/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) controls the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
23/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Toledo Rockets forward Sean Craig (7) and Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) fight for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
24/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
An Akron Zips player shows off his section of net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
25/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots over Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
26/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with guard Zach Halligan after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
27/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce celebrates his third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship win with Sandy Hamad at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
28/28
Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson cuts down the net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
23 Marvin Musiime-Kamali W 6-6 195 R-So. Brockton Mass. / Cushing Academy
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) moves across the court against Kent State Golden Flashes guard Rob Whaley Jr. (2) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the MAC Basketball Tournament at Rocket Arena, March 13, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
A look at Akron basketball head coach John Groce
Groce has guided the Zips to four MAC Tournament championships in the last five years, including becoming the first team to win the MAC Tournament three straight years..
Akron is 29-5 this season, going 17-1 in the MAC regular season.
Gross owns a record of 197-93 in nine seasons at Akron after going 85-56 in four seasons (2008-12) and 95-75 in five seasons at Illinois (2012-17). Groce went 3-2 in the NCAA Tournament at Ohio, advancing to the Sweet 16 with the Bobcats in 2012 and 1-1 in one March Madness appearance with Illinois. Akron is 0-7 in Division I NCAA Tournament games, including 0-3 with Groce.
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The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
