Zips Survives to Secure 2024 MAC Men's Championship
The Akron Zips took the 2023-24 MAC men’s basketball championships after a nail-biting 62-61 win over the Kent State Golden Flashes. After a back and forth 40 minutes, the Zips survived the intense battle against the Golden Flashes to secure the MAC title and a ticket to the big dance.
After a back and forth game for 39 minutes, Junior Center Cli’Ron Hornbeak hit a put-back dunk to give the Golden Flashes a one point lead, before Zips Senior Guard Greg Tribble Jr. was fouled to send him to the line with 4 seconds left. Tribble confirmed both free throws, giving the Zips the win after a missed jumper by Golden Flashes Junior Guard Jalen Sullinger.
The Zips, who endured back-to-back slugfests of games, finished the game shooting 37.6% from the field, while snagging 37 total rebounds, dishing out 10 assists and rejecting 4. Senior Guard Ali Ali led the Zips with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, while Senior Forward Enrique Freeman, who won the MAC MVP award, followed with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks.
The Golden Flashes, who had a very impressive tournament run, finished the game shooting 37.9% from the field, while securing 36 total rebounds, tallying 5 assists and sending back 3. Junior Forward VonCameron Davis led with 21 points and 6 rebounds, while Junior Guard Jalen Sullinger followed with 19 points and 8 rebounds.
MAC All-Tournament Team:
Ali Ali - Akron
Enrique Freeman - Akron (MVP)
VonCameron Davis - Kent State
Jalen Sullinger - Kent State
Jaylin Hunter - Ohio