"Unbelievable," Groce said after Akron's "Selection Sunday" watch party on March 15 at Rhodes Arena. "I thought back when they put both the names of the teams on [the bracket]. Of course, we both were younger [during the times I thought about]. I had a lot more hair then. But just even like coaching his AAU team or working him out or shooting in the backyard [flashed through my mind]. I'm proud of what he's built there, and they have a very, very good team."
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)
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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)
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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Who will MAC teams Akron and Miami play in the NCAA Tournament?
No. 12-seed Akron will face No. 5 Texas Tech in a Midwest Region first-round game scheduled to tip off at 12:40 p.m. Friday, March 20, in Tampa. The game will be televised by truTV.
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Miami and Southern Methodist University are No. 11 seeds who will meet in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament. Miami and SMU are slated to tip off at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, in Dayton. The game will be broadcast by truTV. The winner will advance to face No. 6 Tennessee in a Midwest Region first-round matchup at 4:25 p.m. Friday, March 20, in Philadelphia.
Groce will appear in his seventh NCAA Tournament as a head coach (two with Ohio, one with Illinois and four with Akron). But this will be Steele's first time in charge of a March Madness team.
"I was so happy for him and his entire family. Yeah, no question about it," Groce said. "Special, special moment. Unique. Obviously, it's really unique that we're brothers in the same league. I think we may be the only two in all of college basketball. So that sometimes can be challenging, but I'm happy for him."
Akron Zips coach John Groce, facing, hugs his brother, Miami RedHawks coach Travis Steele, before the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game March 15, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
How did theAkron Zipsand Miami RedHawks reach March Madness?
Akron (29-5, 17-1) is in the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year. By defeating Toledo 79-76 on March 14 at Rocket Arena, Akron became the first MAC men's team to three-peat as the conference's tournament champion. The winner of the MAC tourney receives an automatic bid to March Madness.
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Miami (31-1, 18-0) entered the MAC Tournament as the regular-season conference champ and No. 1 seed, yet Steele's men wereupset 87-83 by No. 8 UMassin the first round on March 12.
Miami RedHawks coach Travis Steele shouts during the first half of the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game March 15, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Miami became the first MAC team to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament since the Wally Szczerbiak-led RedHawks advanced to the Sweet 16 in 1999. Kent State also went to March Madness the same year as the MAC tourney champ.
The Akron Zips have brothers on their roster,Evan and Eric Mahaffey, and they're happy for Groce and Steele.
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"It's really cool," Evan Mahaffey said. "Two brothers playing and two brothers coaching is pretty exciting, too. I imagine their family's pretty excited to see them doing that."
Akron Zips men's basketball coach John Groce has a word with his team before a MAC Tournament quarterfinal March 12, 2026, in Cleveland.
Two MAC men's basketball teams are in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1999
Groce is thrilled to have two MAC teams representing the conference in March Madness.
"First of all, Toledo was playing lights out late in the year," Groce said. "They had won six out of seven coming into the [MAC Tournament] championship game. I thought the addition of [guard] Mynor Strong to their lineup really changed them when I watched the film, and they were really good.
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"Then you take the top three teams in the league — Miami, Akron and Kent — in the regular season, and they combined lost five [conference] games. I mean, that's ridiculous. [It's a] great year for the MAC and really a good thing for the MAC."
Akron Zips coach John Groce plays up to the cameras as he accepts the Mid-American Conference championship after the Zips beat the Toledo Rockets on March 14, 2026, in Cleveland.
Groce said he never felt overly nervous about the possibility of Akron or Miami being excluded from the NCAA Tournament.
"My mother probably was, for sure," Groce quipped. "But my hunch was that [both of us making] it was going to happen. That was my gut. And, fortunately, it did."
In the lone meeting between the two teams this season, Akron lost 76-73 on Jan. 3 at Miami. The Zips and RedHawks would need to reachthe Elite Eightto face each other in March Madness.
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Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
