johnnyzip84

I watched a little of UMASS against SFA before the Zips game last night. The Minuteman front line is big and blocks a lot of shots. I think the "work it inside to Wood and back out for 3's" strategy can work against this team. I hope JW has his pump fake bag of tricks working too, because UMASS will go for 'em. The thing I keep reminding myself is that the Zips did not play a particularly good offensive game last night (although I agree with many, the D was outstanding). Now I know the competition is pretty stout in the NIT, but have there, up to this point, been 2 games in a row this year in which UA has played poorly on offense?

I also thought Dials was spent when he missed both FTs, but I didn't realize he had a 3rd, 4th, or even 5th wind! They should be fine by Saturday.

This is a huge win for the program. Coming off of a season low point, and winning a game like this while using a fair number of younger players will really help next season. Like coaches always point out, just the mere fact that they can continue to practice as a team will work wonders. I couldn't be prouder of these guys tonight.

Yes!!!! Go Zips!!!! Awesome!!!

This game is making me insane!

Should have been an intentional like Jarvis said.

We need Jeremiah to step up in OT. Even if it's his usually reliable passing out for open 3's.

Gotta defend and box out now!

We are simply outhustling them! Nice shot of a couple of Rowdies!

I think he just made up for itAgreed, but I don't know how much longer he can go. This TV time out will help!

No No No NOOOOO GREAT SHOT!!

Dials HAS to be gassed to miss 2 FTs short like that

I'd love to see Roberts with the ball a lot more towards the end of this game.

Zips up 27-26 at the half. FSU definitely getting a handle on how to defend us now. We need to step up our own D like it was playing at the beginning of the game.

We need to take care of the ball against these guys, because they certainly don't. This will go a long way towards offsetting any rebounding deficiency.

Excellent start for the Zips! The energy and shooting touch are there for sure, at least early on. The officials have been very fair as well.13-5 Zips 15:00 left in 1st

You don't have to worry about the officiating. FSU never gets the calls. I have not been able to figure out why.Are we talking "not getting calls in the ACC" or not getting any calls at home period?

It looks like the Zips are a 7 1/2 to 8 point underdog against the 'Noles tonight.USA Today LinkGo Zips!!! Let's hope the officiating isn't too far out of line. I'd love for us to "bust" this NIT bracket.

This is a little surprising to me. His record was pretty solid I thought. I wonder if the recent weakness in the entire West division was a factor in the decision (as in UT should have been able to clean up during this time of opportunity)?I'll add this. I know there are those on here who detest UA's weak OOC schedule, but UT has gone WAY too far in the other direction lately. This didn't help Stan's chances, in my opinion.

I've mentioned it elsewhere, but I'll state it here again. I believe McNees will blossom next season when he plays the 2 guard.

I wonder who Coleman Crawford will be rooting for? Needless to say, I am very happy for these guys. Let's hope they can shake Saturday's disappointment and give the Seminoles a run. I like the bracket we are in. FSU will be tough of course on the road, but UMass and SF Austin are beatable I believe.

I happen to think that McNees, while being a very marginal (OK, perhaps totally unacceptable) point guard, will be an EXCEPTIONAL 2 guard by the time he is done at UA. He will be allowed to focus on his strengths next year and that will make all of the difference. I love the fact that we are loaded at guard for the near future. It's the Drake/Butler/MVC/Mid-Major recipe for success.....spread it out, distribute, hit the three. I see us winning 20 again next year.

Sorry I had to erase this.

Obviously this game has the makings of being one of the best in the entire tournament. I have a feeling that one team will race off to a pretty good lead, but that the other team will methodically claw back into it and force at least one overtime. The team that fought back will run out of gas in OT. Just a hunch of course.If we can get Reitz concerned about his own defense (couple of early fouls would work wonders), then I think that will partially temper his offensive production.

That's very encouraging news. Hopefully he'll have a full recovery.