The University of Akron Athletics
Tuesday, October 27
Akron, Ohio
7:00 PM
University of Akron
vs
Youngstown State (Exhibition)
October 26 | Men's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio – The Akron men's basketball team opens its 2026-27 campaign on Tuesday, Oct. 27, hosting Youngstown State in an exhibition matchup at James A. Rhodes Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
The exhibition gives Zips fans their first opportunity to see the 2026-27 squad in action under new head coach Dustin Ford as Akron prepares for another season competing for a Mid-American Conference championship.
Akron enters the new campaign looking to build on its recent success while incorporating new faces and continuing to develop its returning talent. The Zips were picked third in the MAC preseason poll, with Evan Mahaffey and Tahj Staveskie earning preseason All-MAC Second Team recognition.
Tuesday's contest provides an opportunity for Akron to evaluate its rotations, establish its rhythm and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming regular season.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Akron vs. Youngstown State
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 27
Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET
Location: James A. Rhodes Arena (Akron, Ohio)
Live Stats: Available through GoZips.com
LAST TIME AGAINST YOUNGSTOWN STATE
The Zips and Penguins met in an exhibition game last season in Youngstown, with Youngstown State earning an 84-78 victory on Oct. 29, 2025. Akron held a nine-point advantage at halftime, but the Penguins rallied in the second half, outscoring the Zips by 15 points to secure the win.
Akron will look to use this year's home exhibition as an opportunity to measure its progress against its regional opponent before the start of regular-season competition.
SCOUTING THE PENGUINS
Youngstown State enters the exhibition under head coach Ethan Faulkner, who is in his third season leading the Penguins. Youngstown State has added several transfers and freshmen as it reshapes its roster for the 2026-27 season.
The Penguins will be led by a mix of experienced collegiate transfers and returning players as they prepare for a challenging nonconference schedule that includes opponents from multiple major conferences.
THE SERIES
Akron and Youngstown faced-off 91 times in regular season competitions, excluding exhibition games. The Zips hold 59-32 series advantage, including a two-game winning streak and 8 of the last 9 contests dating back to the 2005-06 season. The Zips posted an 82-60 win at The JAR in 2019-20 and a 98-69 win at The Wolstein Center in 2018-19. The Penguins posted a 90-82 win in Youngstown at The Beeghly Center in 2016-17.
UP NEXT
Following Tuesday's exhibition, Akron opens the regular season on Monday, Nov. 2, traveling to Louisiana for the MAC-SBC Challenge. The Zips return to James A. Rhodes Arena on Monday, Nov. 9, to host Muskingum in their regular-season home opener, which will feature the 2025-26 championship banner unveiling and ring ceremony.
The exhibition gives Zips fans their first opportunity to see the 2026-27 squad in action under new head coach Dustin Ford as Akron prepares for another season competing for a Mid-American Conference championship.
Akron enters the new campaign looking to build on its recent success while incorporating new faces and continuing to develop its returning talent. The Zips were picked third in the MAC preseason poll, with Evan Mahaffey and Tahj Staveskie earning preseason All-MAC Second Team recognition.
Tuesday's contest provides an opportunity for Akron to evaluate its rotations, establish its rhythm and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming regular season.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Akron vs. Youngstown State
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 27
Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET
Location: James A. Rhodes Arena (Akron, Ohio)
Live Stats: Available through GoZips.com
LAST TIME AGAINST YOUNGSTOWN STATE
The Zips and Penguins met in an exhibition game last season in Youngstown, with Youngstown State earning an 84-78 victory on Oct. 29, 2025. Akron held a nine-point advantage at halftime, but the Penguins rallied in the second half, outscoring the Zips by 15 points to secure the win.
Akron will look to use this year's home exhibition as an opportunity to measure its progress against its regional opponent before the start of regular-season competition.
SCOUTING THE PENGUINS
Youngstown State enters the exhibition under head coach Ethan Faulkner, who is in his third season leading the Penguins. Youngstown State has added several transfers and freshmen as it reshapes its roster for the 2026-27 season.
The Penguins will be led by a mix of experienced collegiate transfers and returning players as they prepare for a challenging nonconference schedule that includes opponents from multiple major conferences.
THE SERIES
Akron and Youngstown faced-off 91 times in regular season competitions, excluding exhibition games. The Zips hold 59-32 series advantage, including a two-game winning streak and 8 of the last 9 contests dating back to the 2005-06 season. The Zips posted an 82-60 win at The JAR in 2019-20 and a 98-69 win at The Wolstein Center in 2018-19. The Penguins posted a 90-82 win in Youngstown at The Beeghly Center in 2016-17.
UP NEXT
Following Tuesday's exhibition, Akron opens the regular season on Monday, Nov. 2, traveling to Louisiana for the MAC-SBC Challenge. The Zips return to James A. Rhodes Arena on Monday, Nov. 9, to host Muskingum in their regular-season home opener, which will feature the 2025-26 championship banner unveiling and ring ceremony.
Players Mentioned
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