Akron beats Kent State 75-68 in MAC Tournament semifinal, will play Toledo in championship game
The Akron Zips emerged victorious in a thrilling semifinal matchup against Kent State, securing a 75-68 win to advance to the championship game of the Mid-American Conference Tournament. Tavari Johnson and Shammah Scott led the charge for Akron, each contributing 18 points to propel their team to victory.
Akron, the No. 2 seed in the tournament, extended their winning streak to nine games with this impressive performance. They will now face off against fourth-seeded Toledo in the championship game, with an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament on the line.
Johnson was a force to be reckoned with, shooting 7 of 14 from the field and making 3 of 6 free throws. Scott also made a significant impact, going 5 for 10 from the field, including 3 for 6 from beyond the arc, and sinking 5 of 6 free throws. Evan Mahaffey also made his presence felt with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.
On the other side, Rob Whaley Jr. led Kent State with 15 points, while Quinn Woidke added 12 points and seven rebounds. Delrecco Gillespie recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Johnson set the tone early for Akron, scoring 13 points in the first half to help his team build a commanding 43-28 lead at halftime. Scott continued to shine in the second half, contributing nine points as Akron fended off a late rally from Kent State with a crucial 7-0 run.
The stage is now set for what promises to be an intense championship showdown between Akron and Toledo. Both teams will be vying for the coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament, making for a high-stakes and thrilling finale to the MAC Tournament.
As the excitement builds towards the championship game, fans can expect a fiercely competitive matchup between two talented teams hungry for success on the national stage. Stay tuned for what is sure to be a memorable showdown between Akron and Toledo as they battle it out for conference supremacy and a ticket to the Big Dance.
