Illini Zip

Groce continues to live rent free in this guy’s head. While I think some of the media questions were ridiculous, Tod just can’t contain how much he loathes Groce/Akron. But you can see that he’s learning. Groce is making him a better coach, but he’ll never admit it. Get old and stay old, seniors play harder because the end of their career is on the line. And experienced players don’t typically make the mistake Kent State made 2 years ago. Indiana won a championship in football with an extremely old roster. Yes Tod, culture matters. Play retention matters. Todelo is a very good team and they might be the pre-season favorite next year and if he does finally win a MAC Tournament Tod will have Groce to thank. But he’s clueless if he thinks Scott’s shot and the final shot were equal in difficulty. Scott has proven himself in that exact situation all season long. Toledo’s final heave miraculously hit iron. Scary close to be honest.

Yes, you remember. Ha!!

I intentionally misspell Toledo…”Todelo” because I can’t stand Tod’s personality.

I already gave kudos to Evan, but watch…with 6 seconds left here again his defense slows the ball down. And then he pokes the ball away. Toledo does get a shot off, but it was a frantic heave because of Evan’s disruption.

I hate Todelo so much. But they did play a hell of a game too. The difference was the character of our guys. Their belief in themselves and a never die attitude. Which is infused into them on a daily basis by our whole coaching staff. That’s part of the culture element. But Groce did also make in game adjustments. One already discussed was to switch back and forth from man to zone defense to slow them down. And finally Tod, to be the best you need to beat the best. There is nothing fluky or charmed about the Akron Zips!!

Tavari might not have played to his standards, but he was working his but off tonight and fatigue was effecting him. He draws a lot of attention out there that frees up the other guys.

I have to say this before it gets lost in the excitement. Evan Mahaffey has been totally boss lately. His effort and determination was the difference tonight in my opinion. Shammah hit the game winner, but Evan carried us a ton.

I love the Akron Zips!!!!!

Play for the last shot.

That’s BS. That was not definitive.

Hanging on the rim. Edit: I will never forget how they used to call that and how it lead to Jayden Sayles injury.

That wasn’t a foul Young.

Yes.

Whatever we thought about the beginning of the game our guys are in this fight now.

Maybe Young is growing into the leader we will need him to be right now?