What Is 2014 MAC Men's Basketball Tournament

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 MAC Men's Basketball Tournament was held from March 12–15, 2014, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, with Akron winning the championship and earning an NCAA Tournament berth.

Key Facts

Tournament dates: March 12–15, 2014
Akron defeated Buffalo 62–57 in the final
Venue: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Akron earned the MAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament
Kent State was the top seed in the tournament

Overview

The 2014 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Men's Basketball Tournament was the postseason championship event for the MAC's 12 Division I basketball teams. Held annually to determine the conference's automatic qualifier for the NCAA Tournament, the 2014 edition took place from March 12 to March 15.

This single-elimination tournament featured all 12 conference teams seeded by regular-season performance. The event culminated in Akron claiming its first MAC Tournament title since 2009, defeating Buffalo 62–57 in the final at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

Akron entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed in the East Division and won four games to claim the title, marking a significant achievement after missing the tournament in 2013.
The championship game on March 15, 2014 drew over 12,000 fans to Quicken Loans Arena, showcasing the regional popularity of MAC basketball.
Buffalo, the No. 3 seed from the East, advanced to the final by defeating top-seeded Kent State in the semifinals, ending the Flashes' conference title hopes.
Kent State had finished first in the MAC East during the regular season with a 13–3 conference record, earning them the top overall seed in the tournament.
The tournament champion, Akron, received the MAC's automatic bid to the 2014 NCAA Tournament, where they were seeded 14th in the South Region.

How It Works

The MAC Men's Basketball Tournament follows a structured format based on seeding, divisional alignment, and single-elimination rounds. The tournament has been hosted at Quicken Loans Arena since 2000, providing a neutral site for all teams.

Format: The tournament includes all 12 MAC teams, with the top eight receiving first-round byes and seeds 9–12 playing in the opening round. This ensures competitive balance and rewards regular-season success.
Seeding: Teams are seeded based on conference records, with division winners guaranteed top-four seeds. Tiebreakers include head-to-head results and record against common opponents.
Location: Since 2000, the tournament has been held at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, creating a centralized, fan-friendly environment and boosting attendance.
Championship Prize: The winner receives the MAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, regardless of their at-large chances, making the event crucial for postseason aspirations.
Game Structure: All games are single-elimination, with matchups progressing from first round to semifinals and final. Games follow standard NCAA rules, including 40-minute regulation time.
Television Coverage: The 2014 tournament was broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN3, with the final aired on ESPN2, increasing national exposure for MAC teams and players.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key teams in the 2014 MAC Tournament based on seeding, records, and outcomes:

Team	Seed	Conference Record	Tournament Result	Postseason Outcome
Akron	2 (East)	12–6	Champions	NCAA Tournament (Lost in Round of 64)
Buffalo	3 (East)	10–8	Runner-up	NIT (Lost in First Round)
Kent State	1 (East)	13–3	Semifinals	Did not qualify
Eastern Michigan	4 (West)	10–8	Quarterfinals	Did not qualify
Central Michigan	5 (West)	8–10	First Round	Did not qualify

The table highlights how seeding and divisional performance influenced tournament runs. Akron’s path included defeating Central Michigan, Toledo, and Buffalo, while Kent State’s early exit was a surprise given their regular-season dominance. Buffalo’s strong finish earned them a spot in the NIT, reflecting their competitive season despite falling short in the final.

Why It Matters

The 2014 MAC Tournament had significant implications for teams, players, and the conference’s national profile. It underscored the value of postseason performance and provided a platform for underdog stories.

Akron’s championship marked their fifth MAC title and validated a rebuilding effort after a down year in 2012–13, boosting morale and recruiting.
The tournament’s neutral-site format in Cleveland enhanced fan engagement and created a true championship atmosphere, distinguishing it from campus-based events.
For Buffalo, reaching the final was a milestone, as it was their deepest tournament run since 1998, elevating the program’s visibility.
Players like Nate Wolters of Akron earned All-Tournament honors, increasing their exposure ahead of professional opportunities.
The MAC’s automatic NCAA bid ensured national representation, with Akron facing No. 3 seed Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament’s first round.
Television coverage on ESPN networks helped promote mid-major basketball, drawing attention to competitive depth beyond Power Five conferences.

The 2014 MAC Men's Basketball Tournament exemplified how conference tournaments can reshape seasons and create lasting legacies for programs and athletes alike.