The MKE Tip-Off delivers a full day of college basketball to Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, tipping off at 1:30 p.m. ET. The hometown Milwaukee Panthers open the event against Akron, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive tripleheader.
At 4:00 p.m. ET, Northwestern squares off against Georgia Tech in a Power Five battle, offering a compelling mix of contrasting styles and postseason intrigue. The day concludes at 6:30 p.m. ET with a fascinating mid-major clash between San Francisco and Loyola Chicago.
While the Power Five programs bring marquee appeal, all four mid-major teams have legitimate paths to March Madness, ensuring a day packed with meaningful basketball in the MKE Tip-Off.
Below is a closer look at two key matchups: Milwaukee vs. Akron and Loyola Chicago vs. San Francisco.
Akron vs. Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Panthers and Akron Zips bring dynamic, complementary styles into Sunday’s matchup at Fiserv Forum, both riding momentum and featuring strong rosters.
Milwaukee (7-4, 2-0 Horizon League) enters off an 86-67 win over Green Bay. Preseason favorites to win the Horizon League for the first time since 2006-07, the Panthers excel on the boards, leading the league and ranking fifth nationally in rebound margin (+12.5). Jamichael Stillwell, who leads the NCAA in total rebounds (127) and ranks third in rebounds per game (11.5), powers this effort.
Offensively, Milwaukee has balanced scoring with four double-digit scorers, led by Themus Fulks (14.3 ppg, 5.3 apg). Their fast-break prowess ranks 12th nationally, complemented by a solid defense.
Akron (6-2) arrives on a five-game win streak, leading the MAC in scoring (85.8 ppg) and ranking second nationally in 3-pointers made (12.6) and attempted (34.5) per game. Eighth-year coach John Groce has seamlessly integrated nine newcomers, led by Nate Johnson (12.4 ppg) and Tavari Johnson (11.9 ppg, 4.1 apg).
The Zips showcase depth, with nine players averaging eight or more points. Akron ranks fourth nationally in assists per game (20.1), reflecting their unselfish and versatile attack.
San Francisco vs. Loyola
Two top mid-major programs square off Sunday in a marquee non-conference matchup. The Loyola Ramblers and San Francisco Dons (8-2) rank seventh and 10th, respectively, in the latest Mid-Major Basketball Top 25 Poll.
The undefeated Ramblers (9-0) are off to their best start since the 1963 national championship season, thriving under fourth-year coach Drew Valentine. Loyola’s balanced offense leads the Atlantic 10 in assists (20.0 per game, fifth nationally) and ranks second in scoring (82.4 points per game).
Senior guard Des Watson (12.1 ppg) has found his stride after a slow start, averaging 17.3 points and shooting 47.8% from 3-point range over the last four games. Defensively, the Ramblers lean on shot-blocker Miles Rubin, who ranks 27th nationally with 2.0 blocks per game.
San Francisco (8-2) enters on a four-game win streak. Senior guard Malik Thomas powers the Dons with 17.0 points per game, supported by Marcus Williams (12.1 ppg) and freshman Tyrone Riley IV (11.5 ppg). Coach Chris Gerlufsen’s squad forces 15.2 turnovers per game (best in the WCC).
The Dons’ dynamic backcourt will test Loyola’s perimeter defense, while the Ramblers’ precision offense looks to crack San Francisco’s aggressive style. With conference play looming, both teams have plenty to gain and prove in this high-stakes non-conference clash.
[…] The Panthers picked up a quality non-conference victory with a 100-81 rout over Akron in the MKE Tip-Off at Fiserv Forum in […]