Akron men's basketball ranking makes history

AKRON, OH - For the first time in program history, the Akron Zips cracked the top-25 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, checking in at No. 24.

The Zips, 22-4 overall and 12-0 in Mid-American Conference play, had been receiving increased support in the poll over the past three weeks before receiving 53 votes in the latest edition.

Akron is the first team to be ranked during the regular season in the MAC since Kent State was 23rd in the AP and 24th in the coaches poll on Feb. 25, 2008. Ohio was the last overall ranked program, appearing in the final coaches poll last season (April 3).

Akron is currently riding an 18-game winning streak, which is tied for the longest overall winning streak in college basketball this season (Memphis, Kansas). The Zips are one of just four teams to post at least 22 wins in each of the past eight seasons (Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas).

UA also appeared in the AP Top-25 poll, receiving a program-best 43 votes, good for 28th place. The Zips just missed the top-25, falling 11 votes shy of Louisiana Tech (54 votes).

Three Akron opponents appeared in the coaches poll, led by No. 18 Oklahoma State. Middle Tennessee (29) and Creighton (1) also received votes. Oklahoma State appeared in the AP poll at No. 15, while MTSU received two votes.

The Zips hit the road for the next two games, beginning with a trip to Athens, Ohio, to face the Ohio Bobcats (20-7, 11-1 MAC) on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET and the game will air live on SportsTime Ohio.