NWAkron

Woody was a bit redundant

https://www.beaconjournal.com/sports/20200102/university-of-akron-menrsquos-basketball-leadership-paving-way-for-zipsrsquo-early-on-court-success I swear GT edited his first version while I was posting this. He still has EMs record wrong.

Season 2 starts on Saturday at Noon. What's different this year? How will MAC play out? 1. Zips won games they should win and lost the 3 against stronger opponents. 2. Won a road game and on neutral court. 3. They have confidence, work as a team, and don't freak out when going gets tough. 4. Road wins. Zips will lose a few but have to start off strong in an empty gym in Ypsilanti.

"Hold on folks." "Book this one to the Akron Zips." Jackie made a point on the UMass technical. She said that 10 foot stretch along the baseline towards center court is only for coaches to communicate with players and not for yelling at refs and they warned McCall in first half. I don't believe there are "make up" calls. Channel deserved his T.

https://www.beaconjournal.com/sports/20191230/university-of-akron-menrsquos-basketball-zips-rally-for-85-79-win-over-massachusetts This reporter as opposed to GT seemed to enjoy writing this article. Apart from a copy editing error at the end and use of the word "nifty" was good summary.

Watched the replay. What stood out is that there was no bad blood between these teams. Game was tight at the end and X and a UMass player were having a nice chat a mid court during some crucial free throws. Banks antics looked really bad on TV. It was obnoxious. However, he was in his zone with 21 in second half. During the broadcast, they had an NCAA ref doing some color and and down the stretch he said it was "tournament atmosphere.". While they have up a lot of points and had lots of turnovers the JAR crowd loved it. Poise under pressure.

Stats have all collapsed. No one can score.

UMass got their step back. Nothing going on inside for Zips. UMass cut into Akron's rebound and assist advantage in last 5 minutes. Was the clock supposed to stop after Zips last basket?

https://winnersandwhiners.com/games/ncaab/12-30-2019/umass-vs-akron-prediction-3776/

Losses to Marshall and UAB sadly ended their dream season. They even got one Top 25 vote prior to heading face first into the Conference USA buzzsaw.

The Kittens just lost at home to the Fighting Camels.

I think the Zips were 12th ranked in recruiting the last few years. So already an improvement. Love the local talent.

I despise Ball State but that Washington team and recruiting class seems a little too good to be true. 7 players over 6'9. Wing spans put together can cover half the floor. A quick Google may explain it: https://komonews.com/news/local/probe-uncovers-possible-violations-involving-uw-husky-hoops-star

Tulane played the same against Towson as they did against us. Missing lay ups and foul shots. Even though Zips weren't playing well they appeared to be having fun and fighting for every ball with Tulane. Against Liberty, they weren't as sharp mentally and Liberty is just a step above on the ability level. Cheese was still off and LCJ made some mistakes. X couldn't carry the team and they shut down Reece. Cheese and LCJ created the lanes but couldn't finish enough times.

Wasn't a great week for MAC teams.

They had Sayles in to defend against this "Big Dog" type player Liberty had. Sayles did great against him but when he was out Sayles was out.

Zips were up by 7 and had ball. LCJ got in trouble and probably should have called time out. Lost ball and switched momentum. Game moved quickly. Only two free throws all half.

Yeah. I was thinking the same thing. It's not like basketball where I wish PCCC would be humiliated very single night.

Liberty #1 is defense. I think Banks is nursing a back injury. Cheese has to step up today and the team needs to shake off the poor free throw shooting from yesterday. Article says Akron is toughest team Liberty has played??

Felt like a MAC tourney game. They held tough. Didn't panic unlike myself

Game is @2.30 per ESPN and the tourney website. Dawson seen in DC.

Zips open as 4.5 favorites v The Green Wave.

Team I hate most from the West. GT was already under .500. they also knocked off Notre Dame last year or year before. Didn't get them very far.

QB from North Royalton (FYI the autocorrect is "Ritalin." Anyone know his story?