MAC Power Ranking are Out!

[Captain Kangaroo]

No MAC school is setting the world on fire thus far in 2008-9. Here's my scientific lunchtime analysis --MAC Basketball Power Rankings#1Buffalo – Reggie Weatherspoon is back. The Bulls are sitting at 5-3, but playing well. Pounded UNC Asehville by 19 points a few nights ago. They have a win over Temple, and a 4-point loss to #2 UConn to their credit. They did lose at home to Zips victim Niagara 65-61.#2K.e.n.t. – Presently 5-5. Playing a brutal schedule, and getting beat like a drum. The win vs. Saint Louis was nice. After that, losses to Illinois, Texas A&M, Kansas, Saint Mary’s and WCU(?!). K.e.n.t. will be ready to play during tourney time, but they are shaky right now. Tyree Evans is now eligible, and making an impact. #3 (tie)Miami – Sitting at 6-4. Played UCLA and Xavier relatively tight…but lost. Got absolutely smoked by Pitt and WVA. Miami looks to be their same-old-same-old “18-12” (record at year’s end) crew.#3 (tie)Akron – Sitting at 6-4, but two of the wins are against lower-Division competition. Against “marquee” competition, the Zips have only a road win vs. Niagara to impress anyone. Losses include Pitt (by 20), EKY (on a neutral floor) and VCU (by 4). The analysis sounds grim, but the Zips aren't in too bad a shape when compared to the remainder of the conference.#5BG – 5-5. Played Minnesota and Ohio State very well in two single-digit losses. Road losses to Central Arkansas and Savannah State. They have the inside beef to give the Zips problems. #6Ohio – 6-6. On a 3-game losing streak, and have lost 6 of their last 8. Not exactly enfuego in Athens. Nice wins vs. Tulsa and William and Mary. Got smoked by Louisville and Xavier. #7Ball State – Leading the MAC West at 5-5. Too bad Nate Davis can’t play hoops like his brother Jose’, because Coach Taylor could use him. Beatdowns at the hands of Evansville (10 pts), Purdue (29 pts) and EKY (14 pts) preceeded a 3-point win vs. mighty Presbyterian. Peyton Stovall’s appeal for a 9th year of eligibility was apparently denied.#8NIU – 5-7. Five of the seven losses have been by double digits. Two of their wins are vs. D-III schools. Overall, a very “cup cake” schedule to be sitting at 5-7. No marquee opponents.. #9CMU – 4-7. A win vs. Princeton…that’s about it. Marquee game resulted in a 14 point loss to Marquette. #10WMU – 4-8. Hardly “Kool Runnings” for the Broncos. Lost by 4 to TCU, 11 to SIU, 17 to VCU, by 8 to IUPUI and 11 to UNLV. They should avoid scheduling “initial-based” schools in the future.#11Toledo – A nice 1-point home win vs. UMass, and a bunch of beatdowns. New Coach Gene Cross has his work cut out.#12EMU – 2-8. Marquee games have resulted in Marquee beatdowns. Lost by 31 to Michigan, 12 to Saint Johns, 29 to Purdue. They do have a 1-point loss to Georgia to crow about. Their only D-1 win is vs. Wayne State.

[skip-zip]

I'm not sure if you noticed this when you wrote it, but does it really look like the entire East Div. is better than any team in the West? This would seem on the surface like a good thing, but in the end all of us in the East will be beating up on each other, and the West winner will still get a #2 seed in the tournament. I know the West has been weak in other recent years also, but I'd sure like to see some improvement over there to help our overall conference strength.

[ZachTheZip]

I'm not sure if you noticed this when you wrote it, but does it really look like the entire East Div. is better than any team in the West? This would seem on the surface like a good thing, but in the end all of us in the East will be beating up on each other, and the West winner will still get a #2 seed in the tournament. I know the West has been weak in other recent years also, but I'd sure like to see some improvement over there to help our overall conference strength.

The West drags down the whole conference. It's an automatic 6 extra cupcakes on your schedule, which can single-handedly kill your chance at an at-large (See Miami, whi plays a murderer's row schedule every year, only to have any benefits wiped out by playing their conference schedule). The west champ takes one of the top two seeds in the tournament, even when it's exceedingly clear that they aren't even one of the top four teams and deserving of a first round bye.

[Captain Kangaroo]

The West drags down the whole conference. It's an automatic 6 extra cupcakes on your schedule, which can single-handedly kill your chance at an at-large. The west champ takes one of the top two seeds in the tournament, even when it's exceedingly clear that they aren't even one of the top four teams and deserving of a first round bye.

The same was said about the MAC East vs. the West in football. And in the end, Buffalo won it the championship.It is still early. I can see a team like WMU picking up the pace as the season goes on. Overall, a very weak start to the season for the MAC. NO ONE is turning any heads.

[Charlotte_49]

Nice analysis. Mind if I chip in?I'm not sure I'd put Buffalo on top. Their win against Temple is an impressive win, but its probably their only impressive win. I'd consider putting Miami on top. Like Buffalo, Miami also beat Temple, and beat them by a larger margin. Moreover, Miami's probably had one of the toughest schedules in the MAC. They've played the likes of UCLA, Temple, Xavier, Pitt, WVU...yet they've still managed to maintain one of the better records in the MAC, and had a nice 4-game win streak until getting blown out by WVU.Can't State is 5-5, but as you said, they've had a tough schedule so their record isn't very indicative of that team. Their schedule gets a little easier from here on out, so I expect them to move up in the next few weeks. But for now, they've had a so-so season. I don't think I'd put them at #2, but I wouldn't put them below Akron.I don't have an in-depth understanding of the MAC as many on this board probably have, but I would submit this top 5...1. Miami OH2. Buffalo3. (tie) Akron3. (tie) Can't State5. Ball State

[Captain Kangaroo]

I gave Buffalo the edge over Miami due to their near upset of #2 UConn. Miami hasn't given any big boy a run like that thus far...which is rare, because they usually pull off at least one noteworthy upset every basketball season.

[Charlotte_49]

I gave Buffalo the edge over Miami due to their near upset of #2 UConn. Miami hasn't given any big boy a run like that thus far...which is rare, because they usually pull off at least one noteworthy upset every basketball season.

Fair enough. I agree, Buffalo put up a great fight against UConn. In fact, looks like the Bulls even had the lead with 8 minutes to go in the game. That's impressive against the #2 team in the country. I'll be willing to give Buffalo the top spot if they win their next two games (Siena and Pepperdine) before heading into conference play.

[Let'sGoZips94]

I gave Buffalo the edge over Miami due to their near upset of #2 UConn. Miami hasn't given any big boy a run like that thus far...which is rare, because they usually pull off at least one noteworthy upset every basketball season.

Actually Miami has given UCLA, who was at the time in the top 5, a game losing only by 5. I remember that and the 5 were all like free throws. Losing to Xavier by 7 isn't bad either. I bet some of those points were free throws too. But nontheless, I do believe almost upsetting UConn is better. I think either way, they are the top 2 teams, with Can't and Akron right behind tied at 3. I don't think we've even begun to see wut the MAC East can do this year though.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Nice analysis. Mind if I chip in?I'm not sure I'd put Buffalo on top. Their win against Temple is an impressive win, but its probably their only impressive win. I'd consider putting Miami on top. Like Buffalo, Miami also beat Temple, and beat them by a larger margin. Moreover, Miami's probably had one of the toughest schedules in the MAC. They've played the likes of UCLA, Temple, Xavier, Pitt, WVU...yet they've still managed to maintain one of the better records in the MAC, and had a nice 4-game win streak until getting blown out by WVU.Can't State is 5-5, but as you said, they've had a tough schedule so their record isn't very indicative of that team. Their schedule gets a little easier from here on out, so I expect them to move up in the next few weeks. But for now, they've had a so-so season. I don't think I'd put them at #2, but I wouldn't put them below Akron.I don't have an in-depth understanding of the MAC as many on this board probably have, but I would submit this top 5...1. Miami OH2. Buffalo3. (tie) Akron3. (tie) Can't State5. Ball State

Welcome to the board, BTW!

[Quickzips]

I personally think it is still too early for Hoops Power Rankings. The schedules are so different from team to team that it is hard to get a gauge on what is really going on in the conference. I personally don't feel like Buffalo is the top team in this conference. I've seen this story line from them before. Picking up a win or two against some tournament level midmajors and giving a big name school a run for their money in the OOC schedule, then they fold down the stretch. Miami to me is probably the team to beat right now, but that is going to depend on them keeping Bramos healthy. Can't is still struggling to figure out life after Q and, although Evans saved them from embarassment the other night, there still isn't a large enough sample size to see what long term effect he has on that team yet. Plus they are adjusting to a new coach, as is Ohio. BG hasn't lived up to the hype much. The West is, well, the West. And as far as we are concerned, our strengths and weaknesses have been hashed out enough on this board. One thing that really sticks out to me so far this year though is just how much the MAC is missing some of the dominant big men that we had the last few years. I can't help but wonder if the OOC record for the MAC would look a little better if you plugged in Wood, Q, Pollitz, Williams, Reitz, etc. The MAC is certainly there for the taking. It is going to depend on who learned the most from their OOC experience and who can put it all together and make a run for 3-4 days in Cleveland.

[Zip Watcher]

I gave Buffalo the edge over Miami due to their near upset of #2 UConn. Miami hasn't given any big boy a run like that thus far...which is rare, because they usually pull off at least one noteworthy upset every basketball season.

Had this half written before the other post ..Miami led UCLA @ Pauly Pavilion in the last 2 minutes, maybe even in the last minute. They were closer to beating UCLA than UB was to beating UConn .. and it was on the road.Redhawks are heavy favorites to win the East, IMHO.

[Zips Win!]

Redhawks are heavy favorites to win the East, IMHO.

If this is really true, lord help us all. There's nothing I look forward to more than sleeping through a UA v. MU game. Bring your pillow in a hotly contested 43-42 final. Yawn!!!P.S. Can we change the shot clock rule to 20 seconds when we play Miami?

[Charlotte_49]

Nice analysis. Mind if I chip in?I'm not sure I'd put Buffalo on top. Their win against Temple is an impressive win, but its probably their only impressive win. I'd consider putting Miami on top. Like Buffalo, Miami also beat Temple, and beat them by a larger margin. Moreover, Miami's probably had one of the toughest schedules in the MAC. They've played the likes of UCLA, Temple, Xavier, Pitt, WVU...yet they've still managed to maintain one of the better records in the MAC, and had a nice 4-game win streak until getting blown out by WVU.Can't State is 5-5, but as you said, they've had a tough schedule so their record isn't very indicative of that team. Their schedule gets a little easier from here on out, so I expect them to move up in the next few weeks. But for now, they've had a so-so season. I don't think I'd put them at #2, but I wouldn't put them below Akron.I don't have an in-depth understanding of the MAC as many on this board probably have, but I would submit this top 5...1. Miami OH2. Buffalo3. (tie) Akron3. (tie) Can't State5. Ball State

Welcome to the board, BTW!

Hey thanks!

[Charlotte_49]

I personally think it is still too early for Hoops Power Rankings. The schedules are so different from team to team that it is hard to get a gauge on what is really going on in the conference.

Oh come on, but its so much fun!!

[GP1]

P.S. Can we change the shot clock rule to 20 seconds when we play Miami?

Somehow I think Charlie Coles would find a way to keep the score at 43-42 even with a 20 second clock.

[pdt1420]

If Miami or their opponents had 35 points at the half, Charlie would personally pop every basketball within a 5 mile radius with an ice pick during halftime and insist they play the rest of the game with a 15 lb bowling ball.

[Blue & Gold]

Redhawks are heavy favorites to win the East, IMHO.

If this is really true, lord help us all. There's nothing I look forward to more than sleeping through a UA v. MU game. Bring your pillow in a hotly contested 43-42 final. Yawn!!!P.S. Can we change the shot clock rule to 20 seconds when we play Miami?

It's funny you mention this. I was talking with a friend just yesterday about how intense the UA - Miami rivalry is but how very boring the game often is. Now last year, McNees went off from behind the arc which added some excitement and moments for the crowd to explode, but often Miami's style of ball really does lead to slow, boring games. Whenever I'm trying to expose someone new to Zips' basketball I never take them to the Miami game. It's a shame because it is usually one of the better crowds of the year, but the game is almost always dull.

[Zip Watcher]

I think the Miami games over the years have been some of the best basketball played at the JAR. Defensive intensity .. and games where EVERY possession matters. Puts a premium on effort and concentration .. can't get lazy.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I gave Buffalo the edge over Miami due to their near upset of #2 UConn. Miami hasn't given any big boy a run like that thus far...which is rare, because they usually pull off at least one noteworthy upset every basketball season.

Had this half written before the other post ..Miami led UCLA @ Pauly Pavilion in the last 2 minutes, maybe even in the last minute. They were closer to beating UCLA than UB was to beating UConn .. and it was on the road.Redhawks are heavy favorites to win the East, IMHO.

I have a dream...that one day MAC schools will be judged not by the closeness of their losses, but by their margins of victory...I have a dream...

[ziptrumpet87]

Redhawks are heavy favorites to win the East, IMHO.

If this is really true, lord help us all. There's nothing I look forward to more than sleeping through a UA v. MU game. Bring your pillow in a hotly contested 43-42 final. Yawn!!!P.S. Can we change the shot clock rule to 20 seconds when we play Miami?

It's funny you mention this. I was talking with a friend just yesterday about how intense the UA - Miami rivalry is but how very boring the game often is. Now last year, McNees went off from behind the arc which added some excitement and moments for the crowd to explode, but often Miami's style of ball really does lead to slow, boring games. Whenever I'm trying to expose someone new to Zips' basketball I never take them to the Miami game. It's a shame because it is usually one of the better crowds of the year, but the game is almost always dull.

IIRC, the Zips controlled the tempo of that game a bit better and made them play a faster game than they were used to.

[Quickzips]

Your thoughts on the Miami game is kind of directly related to what kind of basketball you like to watch. If you enjoy a tactical, slowed down, every possession matters, defensive, Greg Popovich type of basketball you'll absolutely love a Miami game. If you prefer a high flying, run run run, Mike D'Antoni offensive explosion you'll want to rip your eyes out.

[skip-zip]

zipstrumpet....you are right that we were able to kick up the tempo at home against Miami last year. But, that happened because we had an unconscious 3-point shooter who was making every shot, even when closely guarded, in the first half. And if anyone else recalls, right after that series of 3s from McNees, Jeremiah closed out the half with a thunderous reverse dunk. That was soooo much fun watching the Sweaters getting buried during that stretch. It's one of the rare times I've seen them look so dumbfounded during a game. That 20+ point deficit forced Miami to play an entirely different way in the 2nd half. It's not often that someone forces them into that kind of situation.

[Quickzips]

Thought this fit appropriatly into this thread. http://miamiohio.scout.com/a.z?s=348&p...2%2f824396.htmlBig blow for Miami. Hayes was their #2 scorer and was leading them in assists.

[Charlotte_49]

Thought this fit appropriatly into this thread. http://miamiohio.scout.com/a.z?s=348&p...2%2f824396.htmlBig blow for Miami. Hayes was their #2 scorer and was leading them in assists.

Wow. That's huge. I had Miami as the top MAC team. The MAC is so up for grabs it isn't even funny.

[ZachTheZip]

People might laugh at this, but I think that Akron might be the best team in the MAC right now. I am obviously biased, but just looking around, I don't see another team that you could definitely say is better than Akron. Of course, it's all useless speculation until conference play starts, and it will start pretty tough for us.The best part is that the Zips have so much more potential than any other team for improvement, too.