The Akron men’s basketball team is heading to the 2026 NCAA Tournament after winning the Mid-American Conference. In the MAC tourney, it defeated Buffalo 73-70, Kent State 75-68, and Toledo 79-76 in the championship game to clinch the auto-bid.
The Zips are 29-5 entering the Big Dance and on a 10-game winning streak.
Akron NCAA Tournament Appearances
In 2026, Akron basketball will make its 8th appearance in the Division I NCAA Tournament.
The Zips also reached the tourney in 1986, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2022, 2024, and 2025.
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Akron Basketball NCAA Tournament Wins
Akron has not won a game in the Division I NCAA Tournament, losing to Michigan in 1986, Gonzaga in 2009, Notre Dame in 2011, VCU in 2013, UCLA in 2022, Creighton in 2024, and Arizona in 2025.
Its overall record in the Big Dance is 0-8 after losing to Texas Tech in the 2026 First Round.
Akron Basketball Coach John Groce
Groce was named Akron’s 22nd head coach on April 6, 2017.
After 14-18 and 17-16 records in his first two seasons, Akron has won at least 20 games in six of the last seven seasons, including the last five. The Zips have reached the NCAA Tournament four times under Groce — 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Groce had had previous head coaching stints at Ohio and Illinois. He went 85-56 with Ohio from 2008 to 2012. And at Illinois from 2012 to 2017, Groce went 95-75.
