Akron vs. Ohio Championship Notes
Akron vs. Ohio Championship Quotes
CLEVELAND (AP) -Freshman D.J. Cooper scored 23 points and made three big plays in overtime as Ohio capped a stunning run through the Mid-American Conference tournament by beating defending champion Akron 81-75 in the final Saturday night to earn an NCAA tourney bid.
The ninth-seeded Bobcats (21-14) became the lowest-seeded team to win the MAC title. They did it by knocking off top-seeded Kent State, fourth-seeded Miami (Ohio) and finally the third-seeded Zips (24-10).
This wasn't supposed to be Ohio's year, yet the Bobcats overcame injuries, player suspensions and rash of close losses to win their first title since 2005.
Ohio's Armon Bassett scored 25 to earn tournament MVP honors.
Jimmy Conyers led Akron with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
