2022 MAC Men's Basketball Championship Final

No. 4 Akron 75, No. 2 Kent State 55
Box Score
Kent State Press Conference
Akron Press Conference

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A 23-point performance from sophomore Enrique Freeman propelled The University of Akron men's basketball team into NCAA Tournament on the strength of a 75-55 victory over rival Kent State (23-10) in the championship game of the Mid-American Conference Men's Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 12 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
 
The Zips (24-9) garnered their fourth MAC Tournament crown and first since the 2012-13 season on the strength of four Akron players scoring in double figures led by Freeman's game-high 23-point performance. He was joined in double figures by 15, 15 and 11 points, respectively, from sophomore Ali Ali, junior Xavier Castaneda and freshman Garvin Clarke.
 
Freeman was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, while Ali and Castaneda joined him on the All-Tournament team.
 
The Zips' defensive performance on the night forced Kent State into 19 turnovers, which Akron converted into a 20-10 advantage in points off of turnovers.
 
Akron wrapped up the championship shooting more than 52 percent from the field, while firing at a .526 clip from beyond the arc making 10-of-19 attempts. Kent State's offensive efforts were thwarted in the second half as the Golden Flashes shot 37.5 percent from the field over the game's final 20 minutes en route to connecting on 46.8 percent on the evening.

All-Tournament Team
Mark Sears, Ohio
Sincere Carry, Kent State
Ali Ali, Akron
Xavier Castaneda, Akron
Enrique Freeman, Akron (MVP)