Akron Cracks USA Today Coaches Poll Top 25, Ranked No. 24 In The Nation

The Akron Zips (22-4, 12-0 MAC) are currently ranked No. 24 in the latest USA Today Coaches Poll. The first time the Zips have cracked the Top 25 all season. The latest rankings were released this afternoon and after receiving just 19 votes last week, the Zips finally cracked the Top 25.

Akron's been gaining momentum in the polls over the past four weeks after receiving two votes on the February 4th poll. Akron beat North Dakota State Friday night 68-53. The game was broadcast nationally on ESPN as part of the final ESPN BracketBusters ever. The Zips played sloppy at times but found a way to hold the Bison off and come away with the win.

The Zips have pulled off 18 wins since their December 15th road loss to Detroit 80-73 in a hard fought contest. The Zips next matchup is Wednesday night in Athens against Ohio (20-7, 11-1). It's a rematch of the February 7th battle that Akron ran away with 86-72.

Akron's trip to Athens Wednesday night will mark the first time a ranked team has visited Ohio since No. 6 Kentucky on Dec. 30th 1997 according to Ohio Athletics. The last time a ranked MAC team visited the Convo was No. 23 Eastern Michigan on Jan. 31st 1996. Ohio is 3-4 all-time at home against ranked opponents.