Illini Zip

I hate Toledo!! Tod might be one of those coaches (Dabos, Clemson football coach) that excelled before the NIL era because their program could fill the roster with talent at the price of a new car. Now new cars are peanuts and they are struggling to adapt.

Ugly, ugly, out of body experience. Even with the terrible effort, execution and decision making you could still see them dig deep to muster one last run starting about 7-9 minutes out. It’s all they had in them. Kent State almost got their win a game late. And this was a true road game. We were getting hacked and bumped plenty which also makes running your offense more difficult. They survived thank goodness and hopefully they find their legs, minds and shot before Troy on Saturday.

It was actually a let down road kill, which is even easier to accept.

Akron, Miami and Kent all escape close ones tonight. Wild!!

Looks like they have a hangover also. Will they be able to pull it out in the end?

What’s the over/under Groce uses the word “putrid” in the post-game? Edit: Nope.

Is the top of the backboard in play?

I think that’s all it was.

Sorry, all kidding aside I agree with @clarkwgriswold Go Zips!!

Okay, with 9 regular season games left I believe Chabi baring another injury setback will work his way into the rotation. What is everyone’s take on seeing more or less of Oggie heading down the stretch?

I would expect someone like you to say such a thing. 😆

The money was obviously a huge factor, but maybe Nate will come back around the Akron program and echo Ali’s message that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere. And not every program or locker room has a great culture like Akron does. Cherish what you have.

@Let'sGoZips94 wins the longest post of the year award. Very impressive!!

Are they that clever?

I just watched some of the Oklahoma State at Utah game and I am so not missing Okonkwo at all. He’s earning his money running up and down the court. He’s active on defense and sets screens on offense, but other than being a big body who can lean on an opponent he’s a non-factor. He’s not a consideration on offense (4 pts in 28 minutes) and not overly effective on defense. He had 6 rebounds which is something I guess. I know the Big 12 is a better conference, but Ok. State is not exactly Arizona.

Miami ended up winning big. Just tuned into the Troy game. They are losing by 12 at home to App State. 10:36 left. Final: App State 66, Troy 44 (season ave 86) 🤔

I agree that Young will continue to improve, but as a Sophomore he wasn’t ready to carry the load of starting point guard. That’s my only point. Defensively he’s way ahead of Tavari.

Akron is ranked 50 in the NET. Is that their season high?

Tavari was funny in the post-game interview messing around with Hardman and Lyles. Not a side you see too much from Tavari. Worth a watch. At the time we debated what the loss of Tavari to the portal would have meant to this year’s team. The fact that Young has hit a wall with his offensive growth answers that clearly for me. Tavari has been exceptional all around. One of my biggest issues with Tavari in the past besides not holding his own defensively was he was always a shoot first point guard. This year he is actually looking to distribute and because of that he is far more dynamic and effective. Good on him. 👍

I thought when Barre could get set on defense against Gillespie he was quite effective slowing him down. Dropping the shoulder and bulldozing might work against Lyles, but not Barre. Barre will definitely help keep Lyles out of foul trouble. Not only is it an additional body to throw at teams, but Barre helps where Lyles struggles and that’s much bigger players. At the same time their game is different enough that we should see them on the court together at times.

What do you mean by plucked?

I don’t know if Lyles was standing on the circle or what, but that poor guy couldn’t get a charging call to save his life.

I think Kent came into the JAR looking to play bully ball and in the opening tip wearing a protective mask Halligan says hold my beer and dives on the ball creating a scrum. Game on!!

Barre is not in sync offensively with his teammates yet, but his large presence was a welcome addition tonight.

Not the highest scoring game, but it’s nice to play well on TV.