The University of Massachusetts Men’s Basketball team is set to face off against the Akron Zips on Friday, February 13, at 9:00 p.m. at the James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio. This marks the third meeting between the two teams, with each having secured a victory in the prior encounters. The Minutemen won their first matchup on March 22, 2008, in the second round of the NIT, edging out the Zips 68-63 at the Mullins Center, propelled by strong performances from Ricky Harris and Chris Lowe.
This season, Massachusetts is coming off a dramatic triple-overtime loss to Coastal Carolina, concluding the game at a score of 94-91. In that intense matchup, K’Jei Parker delivered a career-best performance, scoring 31 points. Marcus Banks Jr. contributed significantly by hitting a buzzer-beater that extended the game into the third overtime, finishing with 21 points. Leonardo Bettiol also showcased his talents, adding 17 points and 10 rebounds to achieve his sixth double-double of the season. Notably, Daniel Hankins-Sanford recorded a career-high 20 rebounds, the highest for a Minuteman since 1976.
As for the Akron Zips, they enter the game following a setback against Troy, losing 79-69 in the MAC-SBC Challenge. Coach John Groce, who is in his ninth season at Akron, boasts a commendable record of 187-93, including a strong 10-1 in the MAC this season. Tavari Johnson leads the Zips with an impressive average of 20.4 points per game, while Amani Lyles contributes significantly with a team-high average of 7.5 rebounds.
This season marks the fourth for Massachusetts under head coach Frank Martin, who has helped the program reach new heights. Last year, the Minutemen finished with a commendable record of 20-11, their best showing since 2014. Under Martin’s leadership, guard Rahsool Diggins thrived, achieving All-Atlantic 10 Third Team honors.
As the Minutemen prepare for what promises to be a competitive matchup against Akron, they have shown resilience in tight games this season, with many of their contests decided by narrow margins. Massachusetts’ strong rebounding and assisting numbers contribute to their positive outlook as they continue to develop under Coach Martin’s guidance.
Following the game against Akron, UMass will return home to host Miami (OH) on Tuesday, February 17, with further updates available on umassathletics.com or on social media. The Minutemen are keen to bounce back and build momentum as the season progresses.