Akron basketball score, live updates vs. Buffalo | Zips seek UA regular-season wins record

Posted by author March 7, 2025 Basketball

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The University of Akron men’s basketball team hopes to close its 2024-25 regular season Friday night by setting a notable program record.

The Zips (24-6, 16-1 in the Mid-American Conference) would establish the UA record for most regular-season wins if they were to defeat the Buffalo Bulls (9-21, 4-13) in a MAC game at Rhodes Arena. Akron had previously posted 24 wins in two other regular seasons (2006-07 and 2019-20), but 25 would be unprecedented.

Tipoff for Akron’s final tune-up before it enters the March 13-15 MAC Tournament occurred at 7:03 p.m. Check back here for updates throughout the game.

Garbage time has arrived in a blowout. Buffalo went on an 8-0 run with a little less than 10 minutes left to play.

But Akron still led 75-55 with 6:49 remaining during a media timeout.

During a media timeout, Akron led Buffalo 69-44 with 11:56 remaining in the second half.

Zips Shammah Scott had a team-high 11 points at this juncture. Guards Nate Johnson and Seth Wilson and forward James Okonkwo had nine points apiece.

Buffalo forward Ben Michaels had a game-high 14 points.

Buffalo went on an 8-0 run early in the second half, but Akron coach John Groce felt comfortable enough to forgo a timeout. His players responded.

During a media timeout, the Zips led 60-39 with 14:45 left in the second half. Scott made two free throws coming out of the stoppage in play, inflating Akron’s cushion to 62-39.

The Zips dominated in the first half and led 47-24 at halftime.

With 5.7 seconds left in the second half, UA forward Amani Lyles blocked a layup attempt by Buffalo guard Tyson Dunn. The play provided an example of how the Zips asserted their will in the paint on both ends of the floor throughout the first half.

Akron outrebounded Buffalo 25-17 in the first half. The Zips held advantages of 13-2 in second-chance points and 22-12 in points in the paint.

Akron forced nine turnovers in the first half and committed just one in the first half. The Zips earned a 10-0 lead in points off turnovers.

UA led 41-22 during a media timeout with 3:03 remaining in the first half.

Okonkwo has been playing with an edge (his teammates call this version “Jimmy”). He has seven points on 3-of-3 shooting from the field and three rebounds. Guard Bowen Hardman also has seven points, pacing UA in scoring with Okonkwo.

Akron led 33-17 with 7:52 left in the first half during a media timeout.

Akron is 13-of-24 shooting from the field (6 of 12 on 3-pointers). Buffalo is 7-of-19 shooting from the floor (2 of 10 on 3s).

Wilson has six points, shooting 2 of 3 on 3s.

A putback on a reverse layup by Akron guard Isaiah Gray boosted UA’s lead to 30-17 with 9:29 left in the first half.

At this early stage, the Zips have six offensive rebounds and hold a 7-2 advantage in second-chance points.

Buffalo responded to its largest deficit thus far by calling timeout.

The Zips led the Bulls 19-14 during the game’s second media timeout with 11:51 remaining in the first half.

Buffalo has yet to lead.

During the game’s first media timeout, Akron led Buffalo 15-6 with 14:57 left in the first half.

On Senior Day, senior guard Evan Wilson started for the first time this season and drained a 3-pointer to give the Zips a 3-0 lead with 18:48 remaining.

Scott came off the bench with 16:43 left and scored five quick points for the Zips. Scott made a fast-break layup off a stolen pass and a 3-pointer during a possession kept alive by forward Amani Lyles’ offensive rebound.

Here is some pregame information:

What other Akron Zips basketball history can be made with a UA win over Buffalo in the 2024-25 regular-season finale?

The Zips entered Friday with a MAC record of 16-1 and last week clinched the outright regular-season conference championship. A win over Buffalo would allow Akron to finish 17-1 in the conference and thereby tie Kent State’s 2001-02 team for the best single-season record in MAC play during the modern era. Kent State famously advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament during the 2001-02 season.
Akron entered Friday with a record of 15-0 this season at Rhodes Arena. A win over Buffalo would give UA its first undefeated season at Rhodes Arena since 2015-16, when the Zips went 15-0. UA has gone unbeaten at Rhodes Arena in two other seasons: 18-0 in 1986-87 and 13-0 in 2005-06.
A victory over Buffalo would give Akron 16 home wins this season. The UA record for most home wins in a single season is 18 in 1986-87, and 16 victories at home this season would rank second in program history.

What is the Akron Zips men’s basketball record for wins in a season?

The 2016-17 Akron team coached by Keith Dambrot finished 27-9 and holds the UA record for most wins in a season.

This season’s Zips team coached by John Groce would tie the program record by beating Buffalo and winning two games in the MAC Tournament. UA would break the record by beating Buffalo and winning three games in the MAC Tournament.

Three wins are required to capture the MAC Tournament title and the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, a feat Akron accomplished last season. UA then lost 77-60 to Creighton in the first round of March Madness.

When will the Akron Zips men’s basketball team begin the MAC Tournament?

Because Akron has clinched the No. 1 seed in the MAC Tournament, UA will play the No. 8 seed in the opening round at 11 a.m. March 13 at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland. The eighth seed has yet to be determined.

MAC tourney semifinal games will be held Friday night, followed by the championship Saturday night.

Who will Akron Zips basketball honor on Senior Day?

The Zips have five players listed as seniors on their roster, but UA honored only three of them on Senior Day against Buffalo.

Guards Isaiah Gray, Seth Wilson and Evan Wilson were recognized. But guard Shammah Scott and forward James Okonkwo were not because they each have an extra year of eligibility available to use.

What is the history between Akron and Buffalo in men’s basketball?

Akron entered Friday with an eight-game winning streak against Buffalo. The Zips lead the all-time series 43-33, including 27-8 at home.

In the previous meeting on Jan. 21, UA rolled to a 90-58 win at Buffalo.

Akron Zips men’s basketball broadcast information. How can I watch on TV, listen on radio or stream the Akron vs Buffalo game?

The Akron-Buffalo game can be viewed on ESPN+. It will be broadcast on local radio via WHLO (640-AM).

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.