The Zips, led by tenth year head coach Keith Dambrot, played their home games at the James A. Rhodes Arena as members of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference.

[3][4] Akron then traveled to Moraga, California to take on traditional mid-major power Saint Mary's as part of the ESPN Hoops Tip-Off Marathon on November 12.

The Zips kept it close early behind the play of Treadwell, and despite a strong advantage in rebounding, Akron's poor shooting couldn't lead them to victory, falling 63–85.

Cleveland State lost the lead eight minutes into the first half, and Akron, led by Nick Harney, who scored 15 points, pulled out a 73–61 victory.

Tied midway in the second half at 52, Reggie McAdams drained two 3-pointers that gave Akron a lead they would not relinquish en route to a 74–64 triumph.