Illini Zip

Great observation.

I really hope the MAC has a serious conversation with ESPN. If there are too many conference championship games happening simultaneously then we should consider our options. The biggest game of the MAC season and ESPN is bouncing us around for most of the first half. I find it to be unacceptable.

Amani’s rebound was so huge, here is why. He boxed out Woolfolk and still had him climbing up his back. If Amani loses the handle on the ball, maybe the MAC refs call the over the back foul. Maybe not. Say Amani goes to the other end and hits both free throws and we are now up by 2 points. Miami would still have had 8 seconds to tie or win it with the last possession. The final seconds could not have played out any better.

I was wondering why Amani hadn’t attempted a three in some time. So that made three last night was like heaven sent. That needs to be a more significant part of his game next year.

So this is what it feels like to be a Yankees fan. I can live with this. The Akron aura and mystique is building.

Groce should at least give his brother a good birthday present this year.

The guys showed what they’re capable of on defense in the second half. I believe Groce is going to hold them to this new standard.

Watch how quickly Groce and Steele embrace as events unfold. Pretty cool.

Next year should be fun with the Zips and Miami both likely returning most of their current rosters.

Maybe they got 2 index cards. Ha!!

Indeed, great, great defense by Tavari. Amani with the monster rebound and outlet pass. And finally Nate keeping his composure to not only hit the runner, but also making sure he didn’t foul on that final heave. I’m still amazed. I keep replaying it.

I swear the announcers were given an index card that said only one thing; Coaches Groce and Steele are half brothers. Now go and ad-lib for 2 hours. I wanted to reach through the television.

Unreal.

Consider 2007 avenged.

I’m still in shock.

Keep swinging guys. We sure walked into a buzz saw. Even their bail out shots were falling.

They were way behind on ESPN2.

It is on ESPN+ And ESPN News

I don’t follow pro ball anymore so I don’t know CBS Sports panelist, Roy Hibbert. After the game vs Toledo he said he really wants to work with Okonkwo in the offseason. He likes how hard he plays and his ability to draw fouls.

I would say you can’t shake off the choke collar if nobody really expected you win the MAC Tourney anyway.

Watching the Akron v Toledo replay. Lyles was in good position under the rim, outside the restricted circle and is knocked to the ground twice and is eventually called for a blocking foul. Great hustle and defense on his part. Just another tough day at the office I guess.

I agree, good question. Especially considering Miami had won the last 3 matchups going in.

Zips fans, you can’t properly pound on the table in rage after a stupid decision or call unless you are wearing the official Coach Groce sideline vest. Get yours today!!

Did we see the once upon a time church mouse, TJ, become the official leader of this team last night? Time will tell, but I think that would be a wonderful development.

Late it the game a Miami guy (Craft) hit that nice corner three on the move. That’s so hard to defend. It would be nice if Hardman mastered that during the offseason. Hardman has improved greatly already this year. He does have a ceiling in terms of defense, but it’s great seeing him drive and finishing at the rim on occasion.