About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Akron basketball teams opened their 2026-27 seasons Monday, Nov. 2, with the men winning and the women losing.
Returnee Evan Mahaffey started and newcomer Kamrin Oriol entered as a reserve in Akron 's 75-61 men's basketball win over host Louisiana in a Mid-American Conference-Sun Belt Challenge game in the Cajundome in Lafayette.
The eligibility of Mahaffey and Oriol has been in question, but both played in an exhibition win over Youngstown State University on Oct. 27 and an Oct. 29 order filed by the Ohio Supreme Court kept them available to play by preserving a previous ruling made earlier in October.
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips head coach John Groce plays up to the cameras as he accepts the Mid-American Conference championship after beating the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott hugs his family after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts at the end of the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks for a layup against Toledo Rockets forward Jaylan Ouwinga (32) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott catches a piece of confetti during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) The Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots a three against the Toledo Rockets during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) throws down a dunk between Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and guard Evan Mahaffey (12) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) shoots against a pair of Toledo defenders during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) battles for the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates as Akron comes back during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron guard Tavari Johnson celebrates with teammates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips head coach John Groce gives an official an earful during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) celebrates after a three during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) An Akron cheerleader performs during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) puts up a shot during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks to the basket for a layup over Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) and Toledo Rockets guard Mynor Strong (5) fights for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) looks for a layup ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) and center Austin Parks (25) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) celebrates after a three during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) controls the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Toledo Rockets forward Sean Craig (7) and Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) fight for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) An Akron Zips player shows off his section of net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots over Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with guard Zach Halligan after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips head coach John Groce celebrates his third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship win with Sandy Hamad at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson cuts down the net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 1 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 1 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 2 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips head coach John Groce plays up to the cameras as he accepts the Mid-American Conference championship after beating the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 3 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott hugs his family after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 4 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts at the end of the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 5 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks for a layup against Toledo Rockets forward Jaylan Ouwinga (32) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 6 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott catches a piece of confetti during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 7 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo The Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 8 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots a three against the Toledo Rockets during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 9 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) throws down a dunk between Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and guard Evan Mahaffey (12) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 10 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) shoots against a pair of Toledo defenders during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 11 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) battles for the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 12 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates as Akron comes back during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 13 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron guard Tavari Johnson celebrates with teammates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 14 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips head coach John Groce gives an official an earful during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 15 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) celebrates after a three during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 16 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo An Akron cheerleader performs during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 17 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) puts up a shot during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 18 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks to the basket for a layup over Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 19 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) and Toledo Rockets guard Mynor Strong (5) fights for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 20 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) looks for a layup ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) and center Austin Parks (25) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 21 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) celebrates after a three during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 22 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) controls the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 23 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Toledo Rockets forward Sean Craig (7) and Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) fight for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 24 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo An Akron Zips player shows off his section of net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 25 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots over Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 26 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with guard Zach Halligan after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 27 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips head coach John Groce celebrates his third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship win with Sandy Hamad at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) 28 / 28 Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson cuts down the net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal) Ty Pence leads Akron men's basketball to win in Dustin Ford's debut as head coach Ty Pence totaled 19 points, eight rebounds and two assists in his Akron debut as Dustin Ford won his first game as Zips men's basketball head coach.
Pence, who previously played at Illinois State, made 6 of 12 shots from the field, including 2 of 7 from beyond the 3-point arc, and 5 of 5 free throws in 34 minutes.
New men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA president R.J. Nemer at the event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April 15, 2026. Akron newcomer Tahj Staveskie scored 16 points and had three assists in 38 minutes. Mahaffey contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes.
Akron scored the first eight points and never trailed. Zips newcomer Colin White made a 3-pointer and Pence added two layups and a free throw in the opening 8-0 run. Akron led 46-29 at halftime.
White finished with nine points and four rebounds. Oriol totaled five points, six rebounds and three assists. Returnee Halil "Chabi" Barre and newcomer Buddy Hammer Jr. each had four points and four rebounds.
Louisiana's Jamyron Keller scored a game-high 26 points and had four assists. Dani Pounds scored 15 points and Trent Middleton Jr. added 14 points.
Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) eyes a teammate to pass to during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio. Akron women's basketball team falls in season opener by one point The Akron women's basketball team lost its season opener 75-74 to visiting South Alabama at Rhodes Arena.
Kailee Bransford made a 3-pointer to give Akron a 74-73 lead with 23 seconds left in the game, but Jaida Redwine made a layup with less than two seconds left to lift South Alabama to victory.
Akron newcomer Macey Fegan, who previously played at Cleveland State, recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds in 31 minutes.
University of Akron’s Shaena Brew (8) drives down court in a game against Kent, Jan. 17, 2026, at M.A.C. Center in Kent, Ohio. Akron's Shaena Brew had 12 points and four assists. Tyla Heard contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Bransford and Monique Mitchell each scored nine points. Jessie Joaquim added eight points and 11 rebounds.
CJ Wilson led South Alabama with 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jolie Mantz scored 16 points, Julieta Ceja scored 12 points and Deborah Orianegbena had nine points and 12 rebounds.
Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron men's basketball opens 2026-27 season with win, Zips women lose
Source: Sports
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