NWAkron

Hmm. Zips lost 3 MAC games in a row, Trimble axed, and then win 17 out of 18 against MAC opponents. Also, Castaneda's production vastly improves.

Agree. I saw that, too. Was good to see. And i think that's a popular comment. I didn't mind that Kent went without Santiago, have to admit, but feel really bad for Giovanni. He's been with that program a long time. He's like the Zips Tribble. A lifer.

One decision that changed the course of history: Kicking Trimble to the curb. Zips have lost one MAC game since he was fired.

As a fan, I'm not getting ahead of myself. Two weeks ago, Kent was a "final 4" team and then a loss in the Dekalb Triangle, a guard breaks his hand, and a deflating loss to the Zips. NOW the Zips are the target and the team that will "make noise." Sometimes I like them flying under the radar. A poor performance on Tuesday and Dennis and Shumate will be the golden men.

On Akron MBB instagram.

From Toledo message board. I think this guy thinks that was Akron's crowd for every game: Post: #16 RE: 2 Big MAC Games on National TV Friday Night! This Akron crowd is legit. Big Game Boomer picked Toledo as the best atmosphere in the state this weekend, but gonna be hard to top what's displayed tonight on national TV.

Unpacking my thoughts: 1. Santiago out early with the hand injury changed the game. I've always liked him. He's been there a long time. A reminder of how fleeting success can be. 2. The ball just wasn't going in for Kent. I think some of those rim outs and clunkers killed their confidence early in the hostile environment. 3. Payton wasn't much of a factor. Geez, Zips must be pretty toughh. 4. Kent really stepped up their defense during that run they had. Maybe they were tired in the final few minutes. 5. Ugh...Zips have 5 more weeks...and two Toledo games. Regular season champs means nothing nor does second place in the MAC West (as our Ball State friends would tell us) 6. Oh...and Tribble...still the coach's favorite.

Dread. That's the Kent defense used to seeing.

Tightening up. Stats are even.

Santiago in a cast.

thanks for asking. I'm in the bargaining stage right now. However, the dread is beginning to wash over me. as for head in hands, I will be the one sitting (and not standing) as we await the first basket. you may also find me cowering in the lobby by the Zippy statue.

After all the fun and game, incidents and allegations, this game will depend on how the refs handle things. are they looking to get guys in foul trouble or will they call it like the MAC championship game. Freeman picks up a quick 2...long night.

fixed it. that's right. that term was fresh in my mind from somewhere.

how is that a best moment? classless, low-rent, bottom-shelf.

I see -1 now

Line was -2.5. now down to -1. all the Zipsnation faithful betting the Flashes I presume.

Interesting stat from Terry Pluto's (ugh) column in Plain Dealer today: "Akron coach John Groce mentioned how both teams are on a hot streak dating back to last season in the MAC. “We’ve won 16 of our last 17 MAC games,” he said. “Kent is on a streak like that, too. These are two very good teams.” As for Kent, it’s 16 of their last 18 MAC games dating back to last season."

At 10:05, he's skipping away. Then Garvin and X drain 3s.

Nothing that I can see in the ABJ discussing tonight's game, but I do know now that the Tallmadge girls are rolling and OSU's coach was ejected for the second time. And theh ABJ has audacity to post "6 reasons why you should subscribe."

https://www.news5cleveland.com/sports/college-sports/university-of-akron/its-the-wagon-wheel-akron-zips-mens-basketball-prepares-for-conference-changing-game-against-kent-state Nice story. Couple mistakes but good to see.

Jeff Boals, Rob Senderoff, and Dustin Ford's brother.

that makes sense. @clarkwgriswoldsays the Verizon in Macedonia is where he goes to get MAC tournament tickets.

really good analysis. I'm skeptical that the Zips will win. Flashes have a few more avenues to score and Carry can throw some miracle passes and make some crazy shots. This seems like the MAC Championship game. I trust Groce will keep things level for the guys. A loss here isn't huge in big scheme. Frankly, I think the Toledo game is more important in the bigger picture for tournament seeding.

I've watched parts of their games and this Payton is a threat. He is a blocking machine, and I haven't seen anyone else like him in the games the Zips played. Will he or Freeman get in foul trouble early? Clark is right, though, Zips can win if Hunter and/or Hankerson can make some 3s. My guess is that Kent will feel that out in the first few minutes. One of them needs to strike fast.