March Madness live updates: UCLA rallies past upset-minded Zips
An impressive run to the Mid-American Conference Tournament title has the University of Akron men's basketball team back in the NCAA Tournament. The Zips make their fifth trip to the tournament — first since 2013 — riding an eight-game winning streak.
The Zips still are seeking their first NCAA Tournament win. They've lost to VCU (88-42 in 2013), Notre Dame (69-56 in 2011), Gonzaga (77-64 in 2009) and Michigan (70-64 in 1986).
Akron's opponent, UCLA, knows all about winning in the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins have won an NCAA-record 11 national championships. They reached the Final Four a year ago and return many of their key players from that team.
Follow along for live Twitter updates on the game from Beacon Journal sports writer Marla Ridenour, who is in Portland to provide full coverage of Akron in the NCAA Tournament. Scroll below for more info on the game.
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When do the Akron Zips play in the NCAA Tournament?
Akron plays Thursday night at 9:50 p.m., in Portland, Oregon. Despite being out west, this is an East Regional first-round game. This is Akron's second trip to Portland for an NCAA Tournament game. The Zips lost to Gonzaga there in 2009.
How to watch the Akron vs. UCLA game?
TBS will be televising the Zips and Bruins. The game also can be heard on WHLO-AM 640.
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How many No. 13 seeds beat No. 4 seeds in the NCAA Tournament?
Recent history should give the underdog Zips some encouragement. No. 13 seeds are 5-7 against 4 seeds in the last three NCAA tournaments, including two wins from the MAC — Ohio upsetting Virginia 62-58 in 2021 and Buffalo winning by 21 over Arizona in 2018.
The other three recent No. 13s to win were North Texas (78-69 in OT over Purdue) last year, UC Irvine knocking off No. 4 seed Kansas State 70-64 in 2019 and ex-MAC member Marshall winning by six over Wichita State in 2018. There was no tournament in 2020.
Overall, 31 No. 13 seeds have upset a No. 4 seed in the first round. The first? Navy, led by David Robinson, in 1985 — the first year of the 64-team tournament — routed LSU 78-55. Navy didn’t advance past the second round, but the next year reached Elite Eight by beating Cleveland State in the Sweet 16 before losing to No. 1-ranked Duke in the regional finals — sending the Blue Devils to Mike Krzyzewski's first Final Four. Navy's 23-point win is still the largest by a No. 13 seed in its first game.
One of the most famous NCAA Tournament buzzer beaters — Bryce Drew's 23-foot 3-pointer in 1998 — enabled a 13 to beat a 4, with Valparaiso taking out Ole Miss.
Six No. 13 seeds have reached the Sweet 16, the last being La Salle in 2013.
One final thought on the 13 vs. 4 matchup. The No. 13s are 6-2 in games decided by one point.
What's next for the winner of the Akron-UCLA game?
Thursday night's winner advances to the Round of the 32 on Saturday. They will play the winner of the Saint Mary's-Wyoming-Indiana game. Saint Mary's is a 5 seed and received an at-large bid out of the West Coast Conference and owns a win over No. 1-ranked Gonzaga. Indiana won an opening-round game Tuesday night to earn their way into the field of 64 as a 12th seed, beating Wyoming. Indiana received an at-large bid from the Big Ten.
More Akron Zips basketball news
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Akron returns to March Madness: University of Akron basketball turns the page to the John Groce era as Zips head to NCAAs
Enrique Freeman - From walk-on to star: 'I am here and it feels great': Enrique Freeman leads Akron into NCAA Tournament
Akron leading-scorer Ali Ali: 'His versatility is ridiculous': Ali Ali helps lead Akron Zips into NCAA Tournament
Zips ready for March Madness: Akron men's basketball headed to NCAA Tournament's East Region to play UCLA in Portland
Akron wins MAC championship: University of Akron blasts rival Kent State to earn berth in NCAA Tournament
Akron wins MAC semifinal: Akron upsets top-seeded Toledo, advances to final of MAC Tournament
Akron wins MAC quarterfinal: MAC Tournament - University of Akron squeaks past Buffalo
More Akron Zips: University of Akron's Jordyn Dawson, Enrique Freeman earn regular-season MAC honors
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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Live updates Akron vs UCLA score NCAA Tournament March Madness
