UAZip0510

I'm sure that players, coaches, and staff members check this site out, so I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you for this incredible run. The team played their hearts out and never gave up, throughout the year, the MAC Tournament, and the game tonight. Watching OUR team tonight on national television in the NCAA Tournament, and seeing OUR cheerleaders, and OUR mascot, and OUR band...it was one of my proudest moments as a Zips fan. You all made us so very proud and brought this school, this city together in a time where a lot of people are having tough stretches in their lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Staples also said Cal would beat Maryland, Northern Iowa would beat Purdue, Mississippi State would beat Washington, and that Mephis would win by 32. My point?He knows as much as the rest of us do... (Not much! )

Well, kind of... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/redirects/(Look to the right of the 2nd "s")

The scouting report from USAToday.com:"Gonzaga's strength is its defense, and the Bulldogs cause problems at that end because they can switch at nearly every position and because they are so long, making it difficult to get open looks at the basket. Teams will try to be physical with Gonzaga, particularly Austin Daye, who can get frustrated if he gets bumped around and misses a few shots. Micah Downs has shot extremely well since returning to the starting lineup, and Steven Gray, whom he replaced, hinted in the WCC title game he is may be out of his shooting slump. Matt Bouldin is the team's most versatile and most consistent player. He can pass, rebound, defend and score in a variety of ways. Any defense should focus on containing him first. Bouldin can shoot well enough to be a perimeter threat, and he is strong enough to post up smaller defenders. Josh Heytvelt, at 6-foot-11, is an improved post defender, and he adds a dimension because he can go outside and make 3-pointers."

"Once again, the Zips had a great opportunity on their hands to get at least a share of the regular season championship when Chris Singletary was ejected. Once again, they failed. Given Akron's poor offense (they haven't produced a point per offensive possession in a month) and Keith Dambrot's inability to keep his team from tightening up in previous tournaments, it's hard to consider them true contenders this year."I'm not sure that's a fair statement about Dambrot. If the game officials run the clock right in 2007, or the lucky bank three doesn't go in, the Zips are MAC Tournament champions. In 2008 they played tough basketball until eventually losing to a (hate to say it) better overall squad in Can't. I'm not sure you make two consecutive tournament finals in the MAC and deserve a reputation of having teams "tighten up"...but that's just me. Also, while they've been inconsistent for sure, Akron's "poor offense" is ranked 3rd in the MAC this season. They are also tied for 2nd in the MAC on the season in PPS (points per shot). Buffalo (your tourney favorite) lost 5 of their last 7 games, while Miami lost 4 of their last 6. And how does Buffalo have a sweet draw if they're facing Can't State (your #3 team), who is "playing as good of a brand of basketball as anybody in the conference right now"...???

First Round vs. ToledoWhy UA Should Beat Toledo: Better talent, better overall teamWhy UA Could Lose to Toledo: They lost to NIU and have laid some eggs this season...you just never knowSecond Round vs. MiamiWhy UA Should Beat Miami: They beat them at home, lost in OT at Miami...and in the loss, Chris McKnight wasn't 100% (See his minutes before and after that game). In the win, Chris had 18 points and 7 rebounds and was the difference maker. They also got outrebounded in the first matchup 43-28, and still forced overtime. Why UA Could Lose to Miami: It's Miami...no game against Miami is unpredictable. It's played at a different tempo and can take even the best teams out of their rhythm. They are also a very good team, and one of the best coached in the MAC. They are the biggest obstacle standing in the way of the Zips and the MAC Finals. Semi-Finals vs. Bowling Green, Ohio U., or Western MichiganWhy UA Should Beat BG: When playing to their capabilities, Akron is (in my opinion) a better team than BG. Their performance in the home loss to BG was ugly - and they still almost won. Of course, you can't discount what BG has done this year - they've had a great season. Why UA Could Lose to BG: They are a good basketball team, and were able to do what only one other MAC team could do - beat Akron on their home floor. They also come into the tournament hot, winning 10 of their final 13. Why UA Should Beat OU: They beat them twice and match up well with them. They have underperformed, and don't see to be entering the tournament with much momentum. Why UA Could Lose to OU: Talent-wise, they remain near the top of the MAC. For that reason alone, you just cannot discount them as a threat. Why UA Should Beat WM: They beat them by 24...at Western Michigan. Western Michigan is also the anti-BG - finishing with losses in 9 of their last 12 games. They also lost every game vs MAC East opponents. A great matchup for the Zips. Why UA Could Lose to WM: They do have talent and experience in the tournament. You can't discount that. Overall, I don't think Akron loses to Toledo, Ohio, or Western Michigan. That means Miami and (potentially) Bowling Green stand in the way of the Zips and the MAC Finals. Both are tough opponents, both are tough matchups, but both are very beatable. Tomorrow's game will be big - will it be a close, grind-it-out game that wears on Akron's stamina in the long run? Or will they be able to build a comfortable lead, rest some of the starters, and build some confidence heading towards Miami? The result could mean the difference for the Zips in this tournament.

At least they did something...

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-basketball/odds/futures/Buffalo - 14/5Can't State - 3/1Miami - 3/1Akron - 4/1Bowling Green - 5/1Ball State - 15/1Central Michigan - 25/1Ohio University - 25/1Western Michigan - 25/1Toledo - 50/1Eastern Michigan - 50/1Northern Illinois - 50/1