Akron Zips Fall Short in N-C-A-A Tournament

0:00On March 20th, the Akron Zips saw their impressive season end with a 91-71 loss to the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first round, of the men's NCAA A tournament on March 20th in Tampa, Florida. The 12 seated Zips entered with a 29-6 record and a 10-game winning streak after 3-peating as mid-American conference champs. Fifth-seated Texas Tech improved to 24-10 while snapping a 3-game slide. The game stayed close until late in the second half. With about 7 minutes left, Akron cut the gap to 5 points as 69-64, but Texas Tech responded with a decisive 15-to-2 run, fueled by guards Jalen Petty, Christian Anderson, and forward Josiah Mosley, building, an 18-point lead that sealed the route. Akron coach John Grossy praised his team's fight, but noted defensive struggles in the second half against Tech's guards. Players like Ford and Monty Lyles lamented mischances, including when Texas Tech forward, LaWon Watts fouled out, leaving the lead at just 4.

1:03The loss dropped Akron to 0-8 all-time and Division 1 tournament games. Standout and Monty Lyles poured in a game-high 26 points, breaking the program's single-game tournament record. Guard Shamascott added 20 off the bench. For Texas Tech, Petty led with 24 points. Anderson had 18, and five players reached double figures as they shot over 60% from the field. Akron seniors reflected on their growth in bonds after the game, heading home with heads high despite the hard break, as Texas Tech advances in the Midwest region.