The Akron Zips have survived and advanced in the 2011 MAC Basketball Tournament, beating Eastern Michigan 67-53 at James A. Rhodes Arena in the first round of a tournament the Zips have advanced to the Final game four straight years.
Nikola Cvetinivic scored 13 points while Brett McKnight added 11 for the Zips who ended a two-game losing streak that cost them a chance at a first round BYE.
Akron shot 49% from the field to just 37% for the Eagles, but needed a late run to finally put Eastern Michigan away. The Zips move on to face Miami-Ohio in the quarterfinals on Thursday.