Akron freshman Nick Hinds had his first career multi-goal game to lead the Zips to a 2-1 win over Buffalo in the Mid-American Tournament final. The win secured their 13th MAC championshiptitle and a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the 31st time.
The Zips had a 13-0 advantage in shots in the first half but couldn’t score until Hinds put them ahead in the 32nd minute aftertaking a pass from Englishman Sam Gainford.
Hinds added his second in the 53rd minute on a pass from fellow Floridian Jonathan Lewis to give the Zips a 2-0 lead. The assistwas the team-leading 11th of the year for Lewis.
Russell Cicerone‘s goal for Buffalo, his 14th of the year, in the 63rd minute came on the Bulls’ first shot of the game. Afterthat, Buffalo pressed for the equalizer and fired off 11 more shots.
Named to the MAC All-Tournament squad for Akron was Hinds, Stuart Holthusen, Adam Najem and BradRuhaak.