Top MAC Contenders Clash as Buffalo Hosts Akron BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — A pivotal early-season Mid-American Conference men’s basketball showdown is set for Tuesday when the Buffalo Bulls host the Akron Zips at Alumni Arena. Both teams enter with strong overall records and championship aspirations. Buffalo (13-4) holds a slight edge in wins over Akron (12-4) in a matchup featuring two of the league’s top backcourt stars. The Bulls look to rebound from a tough 105-102 overtime road loss at Miami (Ohio) on Saturday. In that game, Ryan Sabol scored 20 points and Daniel Freitag added 22 points and eight assists. Sabol has been a consistent force, averaging 20.6 points over his last five contests, including a 31-point outburst against Penn St.-Behrend on Dec. 22. Akron arrives riding a three-game winning streak, most recently an 87-77 home victory over Ball State on Jan. 13. The Zips are powered by guard Tavari Johnson, who is averaging 22.8 points and 6.8 assists over his last five games. He posted a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists in a win over Central Michigan on Jan. 6. The game features a contrast in recent momentum. While Akron has won five of its last six, Buffalo has dropped two straight conference games, including a home loss to Kent State on Jan. 13. The Bulls will rely on their home court advantage, where they are 8-2 this season. This contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will meet again in Akron on Feb. 24. The outcome will provide an early benchmark in the crowded MAC title race. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Tuesday at Alumni Arena on the University at Buffalo campus.