After an incredible run in the MAC tournament last weekend, the Akron Zips headed out West to Portland, Oregon, for their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2013.
The Zips, installed as a 13.5 point underdog against PAC-12 foe UCLA, would ultimately suffer their defeat at the hands of the Bruins in a 57-53 defeat— and despite a double-double from Enrique Freeman and 18 points from Xavier Castaneda.
It was a slow start offensively, with the two teams combining to make only five of their first 20 field goal attempts. Buoyed by tough defense and some tough shot making by Xavier Castaneda, the Zips got off to an encouraging start, leading 11-10 at the under 12 media timeout.