2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Preview: Akron Zips vs. Texas Tech Raiders
The Akron Zips, seeded No. 12, are set to face off against the No. 5 seed Texas Tech Raiders in their first game of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Tampa. The matchup will take place in the Midwest Region, with the victor moving on to play the winner of the game between No. 4 seed Alabama and No. 12 seed Hofstra. Akron secured their spot in the tournament by defeating the Toledo Rockets in the MAC men’s basketball tournament final, claiming their seventh MAC tournament championship and third consecutive title, a feat never before achieved by a men’s MAC team.
The Zips boast a strong senior class that includes their top five scorers. Senior guards Tavari Johnson and Shammah Scott lead the backcourt, with Johnson earning a MAC First-Team selection and Scott making history as the second player in men’s MAC history to win Sixth Man of the Year in back-to-back seasons. In the frontcourt, Amani Lyles anchors the team, finishing the season ranked third in the MAC in rebounds with 8.0 per game. Akron’s upcoming appearance in the NCAA Tournament marks their eighth overall and their fourth in the last five seasons, with the team aiming to secure their first tournament win in Division I history.
The Zips’ last NCAA Tournament victory dates back to 1975 when they competed at the Division II level and advanced to the Elite Eight before ultimately falling to Tennessee State. As they prepare to take on Texas Tech in the upcoming tournament, Akron will look to make history by securing their first-ever win in the Division I NCAA Tournament.