Akron Zips Edge Toledo Rockets in Close Contest
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Akron Zips 79, Toledo Rockets 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Toledo Rockets vs Akron Zips?
Akron Zips beat Toledo Rockets 79-76 at Rocket Arena on March 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Toledo Rockets vs Akron Zips?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup, the Akron Zips narrowly defeated the Toledo Rockets 79-76 at Rocket Arena on March 15, 2026. This victory extended Akron's impressive winning streak to ten games and solidified their status as a formidable contender in the NCAAB landscape. The Zips showcased their offensive prowess, averaging 84.6 points per game over their last ten outings, while Toledo, despite the loss, has been in solid form with an average of 80.8 points in their recent games.
Akron entered the game with a home record of 29-5, demonstrating their dominance at home with a perfect 5-0 record in their last five games. Their recent form included notable victories, such as a 75-68 win against Kent State and a decisive 94-55 win over Northern Illinois. The Zips have averaged 82.2 points per game and allowed only 65.4 points in their last five contests, making them a tough opponent at home.
Toledo, with a season record of 19-15, has also been performing well, winning seven of their last ten games. They came into this contest with a three-game winning streak, including a 77-67 win against Massachusetts and a close 77-76 victory over Bowling Green. However, their away record of 2-3 in the last five games highlighted some struggles on the road. The Rockets averaged 80.8 points scored and 72.4 points allowed in their last five games, indicating a competitive edge but also vulnerabilities.
This matchup was particularly intriguing given the recent head-to-head history, with Akron winning all four of their previous meetings against Toledo in the last two seasons. The most recent encounter on January 28, 2026, saw Akron triumph 91-81, showcasing their ability to outscore Toledo consistently.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details about player availability, but both teams have been relatively healthy heading into this critical matchup. The betting market had Akron favored by 7.5 points, according to DraftKings, with a total set at 157.5 points, reflecting the expected offensive capabilities of both teams.
As the game unfolded, it was a back-and-forth affair, with Toledo managing to keep pace with Akron throughout the contest. Key moments included a driving layup by Evan Mahaffey that tied the game at 71, and a crucial three-point jumper by Shammah Scott that ultimately sealed the victory for the Zips. The final scoring plays illustrated the intensity of the game, with both teams exchanging leads in the closing minutes.
Overall, the matchup highlighted Akron's offensive strength and resilience, while Toledo demonstrated their ability to compete fiercely, even in defeat. Fans witnessed a high-scoring contest that underscored the competitive nature of NCAAB basketball, setting the stage for an exciting postseason ahead.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -7.5 | 157.5 o -110 / u -110 | Toledo Rockets +270 · Akron Zips -340 |
Leaders
- PointsAmani Lyles15Akron Zips
- AssistsTavari Johnson5Akron Zips
- ReboundsAmani Lyles16Akron Zips
- PointsLeroy Blyden Jr.21Toledo Rockets
- AssistsSonny Wilson8Toledo Rockets
- ReboundsAustin Parks7Toledo Rockets
Recent form
Akron Zips
Last 10: 9-1Streak W984.6 scored · 72.1 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W75-68vs Kent State Golden FlashesMar 13
- W73-70vs Buffalo BullsMar 12
- W94-55vs Northern Illinois HuskiesMar 6
- W77-64at Central Michigan ChippewasMar 4
- W92-70at Kent State Golden FlashesFeb 28
- W99-85vs Buffalo BullsFeb 25
- W78-65at Ball State CardinalsFeb 20
- W90-73at Western Michigan BroncosFeb 18
- W99-92vs Massachusetts MinutemenFeb 14
- L69-79at Troy TrojansFeb 7
Toledo Rockets
Last 10: 7-3Streak W380.8 scored · 73.8 allowed per game2-3 away
- W77-67vs Massachusetts MinutemenMar 13
- W77-76vs Bowling Green FalconsMar 12
- W99-78vs Buffalo BullsMar 7
- L72-74at Miami (OH) RedHawksMar 4
- W79-67at Ohio BobcatsFeb 28
- W79-69vs Northern Illinois HuskiesFeb 25
- W94-75vs Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 21
- L70-80at Bowling Green FalconsFeb 14
- W90-79at Western Michigan BroncosFeb 12
- L71-73at James Madison DukesFeb 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Toledo Rockets | Akron Zips |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-56 | 33-71 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 10-24 | 10-34 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 29 |
| Free throws | 10-13 | 3-9 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 33 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 23 |
| Assists | 19 | 15 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 17 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 42 |
| Fouls | 14 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 82 | 8 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-36Leroy Blyden Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half48-38Tavari Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half49-38Mynor Strong makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-38Mynor Strong makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-40Amani Lyles makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half50-42Eric Mahaffey makes 1-foot alley oop dunk
- 2nd Half52-42Jaylan Ouwinga makes 9-foot jumper (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half52-44Amani Lyles makes layup (Sharron Young assists)
- 2nd Half52-47Sharron Young makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-49Evan Mahaffey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-51Sharron Young makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-53Shammah Scott makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half52-56Eric Mahaffey makes 26-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half52-57Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-57Leroy Blyden Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-57Sonny Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-59Amani Lyles makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half58-59Kyler Vanderjagt makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mynor Strong assists)
- 2nd Half60-59Leroy Blyden Jr. makes driving layup (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half62-59Kyler Vanderjagt makes 9-foot jumper (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half63-59Kyler Vanderjagt makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-61Tavari Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-63Amani Lyles makes driving layup (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half65-63Kyler Vanderjagt makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half66-63Leroy Blyden Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Leroy Blyden Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-64Sharron Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-65Sharron Young makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-67Evan Mahaffey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-67Austin Parks makes layup (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half70-67Austin Parks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-67Austin Parks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-69Tavari Johnson makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half71-71Evan Mahaffey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-71Austin Parks makes 1-foot dunk (Sonny Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half74-71Austin Parks makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half74-74Bowen Hardman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half76-74Austin Parks makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half76-76Tavari Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-79Shammah Scott makes 25-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Akron Zips, below favours Toledo Rockets.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance11072
- OfficialsAlfred Smith, Chad Barlow, John Floyd
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Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Akron Zips Defeat Toledo Rockets 91-81 in NCAAB ClashJan 27, 2026
- Toledo Rockets Dominate Akron Zips 45-3Sep 27, 2025