Z-Pouch

Good post (even for a Miami guy) -- What a mess this has become I'm sure the Buffalo fans love the possibility of playing IN Can't for the 1st round -- I'd take bets that they will want to know who the referees are prior to game day and background checks completed. It would be a classic follow up to the Alumni Referees debacle earlier @Can't. I'd also guess they would be loading up the buses with fans. The Zips chances of staying out of the 8-9 game look pretty good due to tiebreakers. As you mentioned with Buffalo, the 8-9 game is tough and one of the good teams will have to be on the road. Noone wants that spot.

Who's talking next year ? There is nothing that scares me about playing the flushes on a neutral court. Hopefully, we will get the chance to play you at the Gund. Go Zips.

Rebounding Forgetabout it............................We lost our #1 bounder...this is a short term problem...It's a problem we just have to deal with underneath right now with a variety of players. 68-64 -- It was ours and we let it get away...rebound or no rebound. Don't minimize what we accomplished on the road here -- there are plenty of good things in store for this program. The better TEAM did not win tonight. Go Zips. Go Schill (ME)

I think the UofA fans were louder then anything Can't brought to the table. Need not fear Zipsnation, our time is very near..................... Go Zips - Tonight, one got away but the war will be ours. I doubt anyone would argue that time is counting down on the flushers. Congrats to KD and the TEAM -- We are knocking on the door and it will be answered. Congrats again

Off we go to see a VICTORY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From my biased and optimistic view - You know Akron is going to bring it - great defense. Our defense will keep it close. Our defense is and has been, in general, better and more consistent then Kents. Last time around, I think Can't suprised us a little by bringing their A defensive game and playing it for 40 minutes - all year they have had lapses and unfortunately against us, they played solid D the entire game ( plus we missed a few bunnies...). They will not repeat that performance, We will repeat our defenseive performance - it's what we do. I see a couple of those "Zip runs" where we get into transition and the three's from Bubba and McFadden start to fall -- It's no secret that Can't has been known to give up a lot of runs this year. The middle is open for Rome -- NOONE on Can't can stop him -- He is simply more athletic then anything they have. Well, scratch that - an alumni referee could equalize our advantage. A couple of years ago, I watched an upstart Zip team dismantle the flushes on their home court (85-70) - After that game, I thought -- this is it, we've finally turned that corner. Well everyone around here knows what happened to that team - Hot entering the tourney, Brandon Hunter buzzer beater in the 1st round, a preseason championship predictions, a season to forget, another 1st round loss, and finally a real coach comes on board, KD Maybe my prediction was right after all -- I was just off in my timing I also remember many years ago, watching a solid TEAM DESTROY Can't on their turf for our first victory at the MAC Center in a long time - There were actually more Akron fans at the game and we were loud - Of course it was easy as we won by 30. I thought this was it -- we were on our way as Ball and Phillips partied on their court - untill a little known football player turned part time basketball player and started netting three's from all over the place in a first round tourney game at the JAR - It started a Can't State run that has lasted years... Today, It's our time and the corner is about to be turned. KD and TEAM have us in position to win the division. (and now if I only could figure out how to enter a Belushi clip -- LETS DO IT......................) and then enjoy Zip Fans -- Go to the Game. Be LOUD. Show them the sleeping giant is AWAKE. KD and Team

18 tics

Looking forward to the game but not the view of the game. The MAC center sight lines are some of the worst as you go up rows in the upper deck. ZW probably be to your right in the GA section - Our contingency has shrunk a bit so I'm hoping others make up for it.

Akron Ticket office still has General Adm. tics available -- Only 30 or so. Hoping for a big Akron turnout. Go Zips.

Isn't this exactly the point to all those in Wadsworth.... It's a coaches decision after watching hours of practice, tape, and some playing time. They should know and be able to evaluate a player's capabilities. They obviously believe that Bubba is a better overall player, defender, and has much more potential as he matures. He proved that, somehow, somewhere. I happen to be one that believes they are 100% correct on this one. The Goddard issue has been beaten to death areound here. Does he potentially have a role on this team -- YES. Will things change if he proves himself -- YES. But right now, he has not earned the time with those who are evaluating much more then any of us. Give it a break - From what I've seen - KD and staff know exactly what they are doing. I'd rather focus the board on better discussions and information.

Not many good players want to be on the bench -- This is a problem that all teams have but good TEAMS don't let it get in the way of W's. I'd be surprised if this is a big issue -- or the guys are very good actors with the media and radio people -- Everyone seems bought into the KD and TEAM mentality. There has been a lot of talk about this TEAM liking each other and the new systems. I doubt there is much true "insider information" to this thread but from a few. With the stlye of play, it looks like most guys are looking for the breather on the bench -- it is needed when you play this type of defense. Cap't said it best above -- "Hang a banner in JAR" -- Thats what everyone will remember. I'll add that I hope everyone would trade a few minutes to experiance not only a MAC Championship but a Tourney (NIT or NCAA) opportunity. Goddard should transfer if he is unhappy. It would be best for him and the TEAM.

Akron now at #37. A win on the road at Can't will put the Zips somewhere in the 20's !!!!!!!! Go Zips

KD downplayed it during the postgame -- Complimenting DP on his team first mentality and setting aside any compliants about his lack of playing time at the end. It's interesting though that RM has really picked it up since he has been starting -- I dont think I would change a thing here. DP may be better off the bench for a scoring punch. RM seemed to indicate he had a problem getting into the flow of the game not starting in his post game interview last week. Obviously, we need both of these guys contributing offensively. DP made some huge baskets tonight. I hope KD can reduce any issues that exist (if they exist) and keep everyone focused on their roles and team play. We are very good when we play as a team.

Great defensive game by both teams. DId Romeo really step it up at the end or what ? What a player he has become, He may be unstoppable (versus MAC competition) when he puts his mind to it and as he continues to improve. Size, Strength and Quickness -- Hands are still a little issue --but this guy's got the tools to dominate and carry a team at the end of the game. If they collapse on him, he dishes for the open three -- What a great weapon. Go Zips

SuperZip You are correct -- Miami@BG is Sunday. My mistake -I have seen it in numerous articles and boards listed for Saturday -- my mistake. I guess the Zips will just have to take care of business and put a little pressure on Miami Sunday.

I'll never forgot your posts on the Andrick/Hipsher clash -- blow by blow details as we "discussed" who was more at fault. A classic - I dont think I did an ounce of work that entire the week. Formerly UAZips Need it be said

Everything I've seen is Saturday -- unless it was moved. It is now on FSN TV.

And REBOUND like maniacs. ( Edit / Eliminated the RED chair guy kicking the crap out of the Blue guy -- ZW, might want to change that. Statement lost it's effect with that in there) Futch -- Stay in the Paint !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Zips

Here's a good thing about Saturday......If IF IF IF IF we win tonight..... Miami@BG is in the afternoon When we tipoff versus Can't, we will know right where we stand if Miami losses. I would hope that with a share of the division on the line, we wouldn't see a let down. I think this team and KD would not let that happen.

Very quiet day around here -- Everyone's jobs must be getting in the way. I did have a chance to check out HawkTalk at lunch.....just as quiet about the game tonight. For the most part, no one over there is predicting an easy victory over the past few days. For that matter, those in the know -- they have a few really good posters -- are predicting a loss and furthermore another Miami loss @BG on Saturday. That would be huge for the divisional race First things first -- Take care of Miami tonight Starting to wonder about the crowd expectations if even the Nation is sleeping.......

Ironically...I was told today that the use of the Blue Roo was ok'd for the license plates! Hallejulia! One small step for man...one giant leap for Zipskind. Don't mess with me man.

This late in the year - I can only remember maybe a 50's or 60's. There is a lot of talk about the changes in the RPI formula this year and how they seem to favor the Mid majors. I try to fiind something more specific. A couple of wins and we wont be in the 40's -- and I guess on the flip side, a couple of losses and we may not be in the 60's. Wednesday's game is huge but it really is this entire 4 game stretch to close the regular season that can make this year extra special. Go Zips

Go to the Game if you have a choice -- TV will not be the same.

Hipsher who ? Here's some ideas for Larry Pantages, sports director/editor/whatever at the Beacon, and his Monday morning staff meeting.......... - "Hey, Darnell, why dont you drive down to the University of Akron and interview Coach Dambrot and maybe a player or two - there is a huge game, I think, coming up for the Zips on Wednesday. We may have to do alittle better then the typical game preview capsule that takes 5 minutes to write. People might want to know something about this team, plus, we're looking like idiots with this coverage. Pretty embarrassing this past Saturday when we past on doing any Zips preview/gameday article. That littel capsul we write is a joke. I hate to see them pack the place and before we have a chance to get back on the wagon. You know, we can probably still claim credit if we get on it this week. Pluto's been saving our butts maybe it's time I made a little more space for them" - "On Tuesday, lets do a story on a player -- Do they have anyone hot over there ? Maybe a senior with an interesting story that people might want to know more about. What about that McFadden kid - I heard he was pretty impressive the other night both on the court and in the post game interview. Tried QB and football at OSU then came to Akron for BB and is coming around this year -- Sounds like an interesting story." - "On Wednesday lets do a article on the matchup with Miami, you know there are some who say they might get into the NCAA tourney on their own, with or without winning the MAC. I was looking at the RPI's - they are #23, believe that ? You say the Zips are #49 - Are you kidding me ? Wow, both teams are rated higher then Ohio State - We should pay attention more. Boy, what a game and we can drive there ? I wonder what happens if the Zips beat Miami........" - "Darnel, one last thing, don't let anyone tell you that you might be able to walk there from our offices. It's just a rumor, definately drive" Dare to dream......................

Game article Zips continue winning ways Niagara falls to resilient Akron in Bracket Buster By Darnell Mayberry Beacon Journal staff writer Dru Joyce III ran back to the University of Akron bench with his right arm raised high. Bubba Walther launched the ball towards the rafters. Darryl Peterson and Rick McFadden gave each other congratulatory pats on the rear end, and the crowd of 4,053 gave the Zips a standing ovation after their 74-68 win over Niagara on Saturday night at Rhodes Arena. Perhaps the youthful Zips (16-7, 9-5) have started their maturation. The game, which was a part of ESPN's Bracket Buster Saturday, was just the latest installment in the past two weeks that have shown the Zips' resiliency down the stretch and ability to respond to late-game surges by opponents. The wins was the Zips' fourth in the past five games and ninth in its past 11 tries. The impressive part is four of the past five have been decided by a combined 13 points, meaning the Zips have learned how to win close games. ``We're playing the best we've ever played right now,`` said Peterson, who finished with 12 points off the bench. ``I think we've jelled together as one now, and that's playing a big part in our wins. People are starting to believe now, and that's the biggest thing.`` Even bigger is that no one player has been the catalyst throughout the season. Rick McFadden took his turn scorching the net, finishing with a team-high 18 points and five rebounds. The senior forward scored eight of Akron's final 10 points. None was bigger than his 3-pointer with 12.7 seconds left for the game's final margin. ``I think we're just maturing more from earlier in the season,`` said Joyce, who finished with 11 points and five assists. ``In basketball, you have to get better after every game, and that's what we're doing. We recognized we were bad at the end of games, and we went back and worked on game-like situations.`` The Zips improved to 11-1 at Rhodes Arena despite attempting just eight free throws, making three. Niagara (17-8), which competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, entered the game averaging 85.7 points. The Purple Eagles hit 21-of-30 free throws, outrebounded the Zips 40-34 and outscored Akron 17-2 in the paint. The Zips masked those inefficiencies with a team-effort, outscoring Niagara 33-5 in bench points and having 24 assists on their 29 baskets. Senior guard Mario Collins led that effort with a career-high eight assists. ``I think we've done a pretty good job overall,`` Akron coach Keith Dambrot said. ``Part of that is playing together and making sure every possession defensively is important.`` Akron led by as many as 12 points at 46-34 with 16:58 to play after a McFadden 3-pointer. Alvin Cruz gave the Purple Eagles their first lead of the half after a layup with 6:20 to play. The Zips held Niagara without a field goal for the next 5:05 to pull away.