This is definitely a tough matchup, I would not expect the Zips to come out and shoot their way to an easy win. Every shot will be contested. Every passing lane challenged. They will need to match the intensity that Kent brings. Now that the incompetent Pinky has a babysitter in Christian to help him wipe his own a** when things get tough, it will be that much more challenging for Akron to come out on top. The biggest concern here is the emergence of Payton. He's a high-flyer and is the extra burst of energy that team needed as they began to play some of their worst basketball of the season. Freeman will have his hands full with him. If he can't stay in front to keep him from exploding to the basket, he will be in foul trouble quickly and the Zips will be screwed. At the other end of the floor, Freeman could get him into foul trouble if he's patient and smart. He leaves his feet like it's his day job, and he racks up blocked shots on guys who aren't playing smart.
The Zips must also avoid Thomas and Santiago getting hot. At the JAR last year, Santiago's shooting kept Kent ahead the entire way whenever Akron got the game close. He's a stud. Thomas has a bit of that Whitford attitude in him, so if you keep him from getting going early, he will fold like a Card. And as for the star of Dancing with the MAC Stars--Sincere Carry. He was having a dreadful shooting year before Akron played them over at the tool shed center in Brimfield last year. The Zips sagged off on the perimeter, and he got hot...all the way up to March 12, 2022. Anybody know what happened that day? Anyway, his shooting numbers are down, but he's become one of the best ball distributors in the game. As dangerous as ever.
Shot-making, as in the name of the game, will also be critical. Last year at the JAR, we relied on Trimble to try to shoot us back into the game way too much. This team has done a stellar job of taking what the defense gives them. What happens when you go up against a defense that doesn't give much? Great question. If Sammy bricks his first two, I may not be able to take the pain and agony of what we have to watch from there. Let's hope I'm wrong. Also, if history serves correctly, the moment will be awfully big for Tavari. He really struggles with great on-ball perimeter defense. It must be a point of emphasis to not turn the damn ball over.
The biggest key is what @NWAkron has been saying for weeks. Focus. We saw how excellent the Zips were shooting the ball on Tuesday, but as soon as they strung together a few small mistakes on each end, a 12-point lead quickly felt like a 6-point lead. This isn't Buffalo coming into the JAR. These guys are going to do all they can to pop the Zips in the mouth. The room for error is nearly nonexistent. I've grown to trust the Zips more over the last 3 weeks or so. I'm not sure if I trust them enough to think they will win this game. Should be a fun one, remember to enjoy!