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This is the first game I felt like walking out of the building we won the "physicality" part of the game. We outrebounded Toledo and seemed to have more blocks and hustle plays and hustle rebounds. Tevari only scored 3 points but had 9 assists. He is clearly the best passer on the team and is clearly developing a chemistry with our centers on the pick and roll. Speaking of which, this is the first game I can remember where we scored multiple baskets on the pick and roll. It got so bad the Toledo players were arguing among themselves about who was supposed to cover the center rolling to the basket while their coach just stood there watching the argument. Toledo started out hot and we were cold from the 3 line shooting around 20%. With the help of the refs, Toledo had a 12 point lead at half. Really impressed how we came back the 2nd half. It seemed like we wore down Toledo with our deep bench and fast play. Finally, as people on this board have noticed. Scott has really elevated his game with several nice finishes at the basket. The players from last year, Lyles, Scott, Tevari and Johnson really showed how they have elevated their games from last year. I am hoping that is a trend that continues the rest of the year.

Remember when Scott couldn’t make a layup without it getting blocked. He is playing awesome.

Lyles exhibited the most amazing growth I've ever seen in a single game. He went from being Ben Simmons Jr. in the first half...afraid to shoot anywhere within 2 feet of the hoop...even when completely unguarded...to slicing to the rim and deftly spinning in lay up after lay up off the glass in the 2nd half. 😀 Groce's decision to sit Okonkwo in the 2nd half and run with Lyles and Marvin was a gamechanger.

We have had some very good defenders at the guard position. Banks, Maishe Daily, Tribble and now Scott have been quite effective taking on the opponents best offensive threat. But when your point guard goes out and meets theirs at half-court your defense has it’s front porch. And it keeps them from going north to south as quickly. Watch his ability to jump the route of the opposing point guard before he can get going without fouling. I had seen Groce use the technique at Illinois, but it’s special. Not everyone can pull that off.

Tod's team is already in MAC Tournament form. They were outscored 55-36 in the second half.

So many guys stepped up. Nate, Amani, Tavari, Marvin and Wilson come to mind.

Halftime stats both teams 13 FG both teams 3 3FG Zips out rebounding 22-21 zips 6 TOs, Toledo 4 zips 1-1 on FTs toledo 13-14 on FTs 🤔🤔

Guthrie leaves and UA Athletics Marketing begins to flourish? Is this the first signs of growth since Charles' Arby's-inspired revelation?

Classic Akron. Announce student perk of $2 beers and immediately next game offer $2 beers to everyone Not that $2 beers are a bad thing

I didn't know where else to put this other than this thread, but I've been encouraged over the last month by the efforts to market and promote the team more. Giveaways, theme nights, The Outback, some actual in-game entertainment, bringing back an in-game host. I love to see it all and hope it continues.

One thing that stuck out to me was Sharron Young's energy on defense. He was a nuisance to Toledo's guards and did an excellent job of disrupting their flow. After one of his many hustle plays, he was checking out of the game and Groce actually motioned for the crowd to give him a bigger ovation. You could tell he loved it. Young was also subbing in defense for offense for Tavari toward the end of the game, which is a big indication of Groce's growing trust in the freshman. I'm really excited to watch him continue to develop.

"Teamism" wins again.

The ABJ has stepped up it's coverage...big time. Now if we can attempt to stay a bit more positive on ZN. https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/college/zips/2025/01/15/akron-zips-mens-basketball-defeats-toledo-rockets-mac-coach-john-groce-enrique-freeman/77678028007/ Clark quoted in ABJ article: "Roughly midway through the University of Akron men's basketball season, Zips fans should be looking at each other and saying, “In John Groce we trust.”

Agreed, with Scott added. We have so much depth. If a guy or two ore off, we have a capable performer on the bench to go to that can elevate play.

I hate Toledo. So glad we pulled this one out.

M. Reghi is having trouble distinguishing between these 2 teams..

First time all season Nate has exercised his veteran status. Changed this game early with his effort on the boards and driving into the paint.

According to Instagram, Zips picked up a transfer F/M from Old Dominion. Junior from Denmark, had 6 goals and 3 assists in two seasons for the Monarchs. https://www.instagram.com/p/DE0D_S3sGL9/?img_index=4&igsh=ZWhnMGRuZGdwbmxx

The 10-6/4-0 Bobcats come to the JAR for a 6:00 game this Friday to face the Zips. The Bobcats were predicted to win the MAC and return the most regular contributors of any MAC team this year. We'll see a lot of familiar faces and they've added 6'8" Senior All-MAC forward AJ Clayton is back to lead the Bobcats at 16.8 ppg and 6.3 rpg. 6'2" junior guard Jackson Paveletzke has transferred in from Iowa State and is averaging 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists. 6'4" Second Team All-MAC preseason team sophomore guard AJ Brown kicks in 11.8 ppg. I used to root a little for Boals as he once worked for Keith but his sideline demeanor over the years has ruined that for me.

He's on the page that has the frontcourt players. The initial page has the backcourt.

He had a rough night offensively so it was nice to see him contribute in other ways. A less mature freshman would not have looked for other ways to chip in. I said it before, but I really like him and Shammah in the game together. They really play off of each other well. Both can handle the ball and run the point and really play hard on defense. It's like having a second set of starting guards some nights.

OU fans might single handily fund the JAR renovation with beer at $2.

All this for beating CMU by 2 on the road. Dude is pure cringe.

And that's an awful lot of detestableness 😳

He's awful. He symbolizes OU and everything that is detestable about that team and fan base.

If your goal is making March Madness, stay in the MAC.

I was curious about the ref that called a quick t on Scott and then on Groce. Groce commented post game he did not believe Scott deserved the T and did not think he should have gotten one for his comment. I never saw the ref before so I was curious and looked him up, Kevin Brill, and he usually works PAC 10 games and did the NCAA tourney games last year so not a novice ref. However, he has made enemies in the PAC 10, especially from Utah State fans https://www.usufans.com/Forums/viewtopic.php?t=65945 I think Toledo had 20 more foul shots then we did. Not the best job by the refs tonight but we won so hopefully the whistles will go our way on Friday.

Can someone please tell @NWAkron it’s all clear? Until Friday anyway.

Memories of Jim Chones saying Ohio was cleaning up at home...When the teams were in the JAR! 😂

Kent goes down at home 94-83 to Western Michigan. Coming into the game, WMU was 3-12.

This team is really rounding into form. Everyone is finding their place in this team.

31-10 2nd half

This is some fun basketball.

Flop.

Grgur Brcic - Vanna can I buy a vowel?

Great minutes from Lyles!

Nate with the steal and the 2 handed dunk!! Much needed.

Tavari inbounding the basketball is going to give me an ulcer.

Zips about to go up by 1 and refs took over. Toledo curse.

I don’t know if we will play better in the second half, but I have a feeling Groce is lighting a fire in the locker room right now.

Some sensitive refs tonight. Some stagnant offense at times in that half. Too much dribbling, not enough ball movement.

Horrible missed call by the stripes on Shanmah’s strip. Clearly went off Toledo player

There was also a full moon last night. I wonder how that will affect attendance.

It actually couldn't mean any less if it wanted to

I liked what I saw of them at the game at SVSM. The team seemed to be coming together. They have some talent. Dru seemed to be in command and the kids seemed engaged.

Great gesture from Indiana. Imagine telling Enrique 5 years ago he'd have an NBA All Star and Olympic Gold Medalist at his high school jersey dedication.

Nice gesture by the Cavs.

I care. I 1) am an SVSM and UA alum; 2) enjoy D1 basketball; and 3) like free things. It's also fun to see it up close in the smaller setting.

It's the Dambrot-Dru-SVSM connection. If they wish to do something for their alma mater good for them.