NWAkron

A relative of mine who was at the game said it was "one of the best Zips games they've ever been to."

all the buzz makes me nervous. Staff has to keep their heads focused on task at hand.

I didn't write that well. those seats aren't held by anyone during the season. these guys picked them up at some point for last night. never saw them before but were totally into the game.

Groce would say it comes down to how they practice the next two days. Preparation trumps pressure. There's going to be a let-down game like the 2020 cluster at Bowling Green. i just hope it's at an away game.

as of tonight. OU would be the same as the cancelled 2020 first round. 1. Akron 2. Kent State 3. Toledo 4. Ball State 5. NIU 6. Buffalo 7. Bowling Green 8. Ohio

Central Michigan without Zarzuela tonight. Toledo should blow them out.

I think the seats next to me in the lower bowl are un-sold. Was cool, last night a few Akron guys bought those tickets, had their beers, and were pumped for the game in their Akron gear.

Really happy BG hired and extended Huger. NIU schooling them at the Stroh Center. NIU had 52 points with 16 minutes left. PCCC had a grand total of 55 for the game. BG making a comeback which falls flat.

that's fine. who picks the MAC POY? coaches or media? If it's media, being the cynic that I am, I could imagine som $$ and pressure floating around for a Bates pick.

Same. Like to see Miami beat them.

Well, I think we all knew, in the tradition of Keith Dambrot, the out of conference schedule was littered with cupcakes. Was a mirage.

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.