MAC Tournament - A Winnable Bracket for UA

[UAZip0510]

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.