The Hip Zip

I first introduced myself to Charlie about 7-8 years ago on the elevator at the Q and usually see him about twice a year. To this day, he still remembers me and gives me a smile or a wink when we sit behind the Redhawks bench at the Jar. Great man with a great mind, I could listen to his stories for hours.

Ok, this is my favorite game every year. Always a battle and some very memorable games both good and bad. I'll never forget McNees going 6/6 from beyond the arc last year in route to a 20 point game. He has yet to equal an effort like that. I remember Charlie had some very humorous quotes after last years game, and I admit that I enjoy watching Charlie almost as much as the game.On to tonights meeting. I don't think our downfall at NIU will bother us at all. Our kids are young and resilient , they should bounce back just fine. I also don't worry about Bramos much as Nate has done a fantastic job of locking him down in just about every game that they have faced off. What does worry me is that we got pounded on the glass in Oxford and Dierkers has improved greatly and is getting some help down low from Fletcher. I'm also concerned that Ballard is back for Miami after missing the first game. At 6'4' he has the ability to post up our guards and he also goes to the glass very hard.I think this will be a very tough game and hope we get the turnout that this team deserves. The home court and a loud crowd should help us get the win, but we have got to keep Miami off the glass.I'll go with the Zips in a tight one:Akron 54Miami 53

yep, if gets down to it NIU won't hit clutch FTs to close it out

Got it down to 6. If we defend and block out we will be OK.

Give it up Redhawk. I'll grant you that Miami did have the look of a very special MAC team until Kenny went down. Now the Redhawks are just another team in the mix. Looking forward to your trip up to the Jar where you lose yet again. You also have to go on the road to OU and Buffalo. Miami will at best be a 3 seed.

A number 1 seed is still well within our sights but we need some help. A Ball State victory would sure make things interesting. The Bulls have had problems scoring of late and Ball State can throw down some defense. I think the Cards can win this one today.

The Huskies couldn't defend a bowl of alpo from a poodle. The Zippys score some points today.Akron 76NIU 62

Zips shut down the middle and take Jones out of the game. Good guys 63Bad guys 47

Western is down, way down. Hawkins knew he would miss Joe Reitz this year but I don't think he thought they would fall so hard as they have.With big Joe gone the Broncs have been reduced to a perimeter shooting team and they are not shooting it well at all. Last time I looked they were down near the bottom of the mac in shooting. Without a strong low post presence and our ability to defend the three ball very well it looks like Western could be in for a long day.Zips 66Broncs 51

Great read, thanks Dave.I like Nick a lot, he's one of those kids that should grow leaps and bounds from his freshman to soph seasons. With the addition of Zeke our low post game and rebounding should be outstanding.

I had to double click this morning to make sure I had the right site.. I like the new look, much cleaner. Still, it looks to be a work in progress as I had trouble with a few of the links.What do you think??

I watched it as the Bulls provide a Free high quality feed from their web site. Great job by the Bulls Ath Dept on that. Anyways, you are correct The Chipps should have won the darn game. Missed FT's and the gimme put back killed them. Too bad, I had thoughts of another Eastern division banner hanging at the JAR. It's still possible but that one hurt.

It was not too long ago when we were neck and neck with the MVC and the Horizon was looking up at the MAC. I watch a lot of the Horizon league games and there are 3 or 4 teams over there that would probably be leading the MAC at this point. You are correct, this is as bad as I can recall the MAC being in quite some time.

Whats this guy smoking ? BSU loses a first team MAC performer in Newell and now climbs up the ladder. They are playing some solid defense but in no way are as good as this rating reflects. We'll beat them by 10+.

While I admit that this is not a great draw for the Zips, Valpo would have been pretty good this season but lost a lot of talent due to transfers etc. Drew is a very good coach and they will tough to beat on the road. On a positive note, Zip fans will be able to see this game live on the Horizon league feed.

Sticking with my top 4 but tempted to replace OU with BG or Cant in the 4 spot. I eagerly await the Capt's rankings.

I really think that Miami was far the best until Hayes went down. Here is my top four.BuffaloMiamiAkronOU

Good read, Thanks Ray

Toledo, EMU, NIU and CMU are atrocious. Put it up on a chalk board for all to see. Those are four TERRIBLE teams, and we should beat them.WMU and Ball State are better. But they ain't the '76 Hoosiers. We should beat them too.I thought EMU was poised to make a good run in the west then their all everything guard Medlock went down just prior to the opener. They have a couple of skilled big guys in Dobbins and Bowdry but without Medlock they have nothing in the back court. Ball State is a lot less scarry without Newell. I think we can sweep the west but will probably drop one of them on a bad night. Looking at the remaining schedule I think that we have a good shot to win 20. To me, this is Keith's greatest coaching job ever.

Raising my glass and toasting to Zeke as I type. Terrific news !!

With Hayes lost for the season we have a shot but it will take our very best effort. Nate has done a great job of locking down Bramos in the past but Miami is still the class of a down league this season.Miami 59Akron 55

Thanks, it looks like fun. I encourage all zip fans to register and try to beat me.Give it your best shot, bragging rights are at stake.

Yeah, Miami is for real. They are a deeper team than they were last year despite the loss of Tim Pollitz. Dierkers appears to be much improved and Bramos and Hayes are very solid. Charlie can now go to the bench for some production as well. They are very good.Great effort from the Bulls tonight, I wish they could have pulled it out.

I have four upper reserve in sec. 3a row K. Willing to part with two of them and possibly all four if needed. I have to take an unexpected trip to Indiana friday eve. and may not get back for the game.just respond here if interested

Huge win tonight !! I'm especially excited about the play of Humpty. The youngster really stepped up tonight in a hostile environment.Looks like we have a point guard and thats where it all starts. This win should be huge for our confidence heading into the Dayton game.Great job guys!!