UT Pregame Thoughts ..

[Zip Watcher]

2/3rds of the way through the MAC season, sitting at 7-5. 6 games to go, 3 at home and 3 away. Big one tonight that needs to be won.

Some thoughts:

- Zips now sit 7th overall in the MAC seedings. A win tonight puts them back in 3rd place, with a bye to the Gund due to tiebreakers. A win tonight would really help the tiebreaking game in any route, as they'd really be in good shape against most of the teams they're bound to be tied with. Wins against BSU and BGSU may end up to be huge before this is all over.

- Went to the Can't State / BGSU game on Saturday and watched Can't State waste any advantage they had gained by winning on Wednesday night. The game against BG confirmed my thoughts that the UA game was among the flushes best defensive efforts of the year. They weren't nearly as sharp on Saturday.

-- If the rumors are true about DP & MC, then the Zips will need a nice showing from Cedric tonight. I think he's got it in him, but we'll need a strong defensive effort to counteract the loss of MC. As for DP, I think Preston will need to be the guy to step up and knock down some shots.

- Have the last 5 days gone anywhere in helping convince Futch that the paint is where he needs to be?

- I've only seen UT 2 times this year (both on TV) and I would guess that they won't be trying too hard to force a slow-down game like Can't State did. Zips should be able to get out and run tonight. That should help set up the press. I have to like the matchup. UT is tough and did beat us last month, but it was a roadie & the first game w/o JWood.

- A recommittal by Preston & Futch to hit the glass and win the rebounding margin would go a long way tonight to sealing up the win.

- The next 2 games (UT & OU) are HUGE for seeding in the MAC. Win these 2 and the Zips really put themselves in solid position for a home game and can start thinking about that bye to the Gund. Both OU and UT are going to be in the mix of a log jam for the 3-8 seeds .. Going a combined 3-1 against them will pay big dividends. Get the game tonight!

- Again, I look for the KD defense to cause troubles for UT. Every team so far has been stumped by that one particular set he likes to run. I don't think anyone has solved it yet .. hopefully they won't need it too much tonight.

- Hope to see a big crowd tonight. Wednesday gave everyone a reason to come back again. Can't State wasting their advantage on Saturday helps also.

- The Zips have been in EVERY game this year late with opportunities to win, and I expect nothing different tonight.

- What better way to celebrate romance than a woodshed beating of the Rockets .. wouldn't that be nice?

Go Zips!!