Zips Aim for Eighth Straight Win Against Bulls on Senior Day

AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men’s basketball team will host the Buffalo Bulls on Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at the James A. Rhodes Arena. This matchup marks the 77th time the two teams have faced off and serves as Senior Day for the Zips, who are looking to extend their current winning streak against the Bulls to eight games.

Akron enters the game with a record of 24-6 and leads the Mid-American Conference (MAC) with a 15-1 conference record. The Zips are coming off a thrilling 96-87 victory against Toledo on March 4, a win that snapped an eight-year losing streak at Savage Arena. Six Zips scored in double figures during that contest, showcasing the depth of their offense.

Buffalo, meanwhile, arrives in Akron with a challenging season under their belt, holding a 9-21 overall record and a 4-13 mark in the MAC. The Bulls are aiming to finish the season on a high note following their recent 84-69 loss to Miami on March 4. They will look to secure a victory against Akron, despite having a difficult road record of 3-12 this season.

Head Coach John Groce‘s squad has been particularly effective at home, boasting a perfect 15-0 record at the James A. Rhodes Arena this season. With an offensive average of 83.9 points per game, the Zips rank first in the MAC for scoring offense. Moreover, they have demonstrated a strong performance from beyond the arc, ranking among the top teams with a 36% shooting rate from three-point territory.

In the previous encounter between the teams on January 21, Akron earned a decisive 90-58 victory at Buffalo. The Zips dominated that match, leading to their current seven-game winning streak against the Bulls, who have only managed to win three of the last ten meetings.

Buffalo’s play has been buoyed by standout performances from players like Tyson Dunn, who averages 16 points and eight assists per game. Dunn’s recent successes have included becoming the seventh all-time leader in single-season assists for Buffalo’s program. Ryan Sabol also contributes significantly, leading the team in scoring with an average of 14.4 points per game.

In Akron’s most recent victory against Toledo, Shammah Scott shone with 16 points, while the team’s ability to connect on 13 three-point attempts showcased their shooting prowess. Akron’s bench depth has also been a key factor, contributing a season-high 49 points in a single game earlier this season.

The upcoming game against Buffalo will not only serve as a crucial contest for the Zips, but it is also an important moment for the team’s seniors as they approach the postseason. Following the matchup, Akron will prepare for the Mid-American Conference Tournament, where they will play on March 13 at 11 a.m.