Is that you, Z.I.P.?

[ZachTheZip]

CMU Athletics notices a Zips fan at the Rainbow Classic and feels it important enough to mention in today's pre-game notebook.

Thanks Zippy: In tournaments, the crowds can be small when the host team isn’t playing. That was the case on Saturday night as roughly 200 fans were in attendance for the late game between CMU and Montana State. One fan did stick out as pulling for the Chippewas. He was wearing a MAC basketball tournament t-shirt with logos of all the teams and also sported an Akron Zips baseball cap.

[Z.I.P.]

CMU Athletics notices a Zips fan at the Rainbow Classic and feels it important enough to mention in today's pre-game notebook.

Thanks Zippy: In tournaments, the crowds can be small when the host team isn’t playing. That was the case on Saturday night as roughly 200 fans were in attendance for the late game between CMU and Montana State. One fan did stick out as pulling for the Chippewas. He was wearing a MAC basketball tournament t-shirt with logos of all the teams and also sported an Akron Zips baseball cap.

Thanks Zach! Absolutely hilarious! I will be back at the Stan Sheriff Center for tonight's 4 a.m. EST (11 pm HST) game between CMU and Hawaii -- and will ask da buggah why he no put my piksha on da page! I saw him taking pix of the CMU fans -- Zeigler's wife was making more noise than me -- but eh, thanks for the shout out to the Indominatle Z.I.P. They should have told me they were taking a visit to my workplace, I would have given a personal tour of the bullet holes from 1941.

Ya'll MAC homies want a scouting report, don'tcha? The Chipps are an athletic team with about four big bodies they can play inside, and a couple good guards. The Columbus-schooled center, Thomas is only about 6-7, but takes up lotsa space with his 240 lb body. They are able to sub liberally at the 4 and 5 spots, with Coimbra a 6-7/6-8 four who gives a strong 20-25 minutes, but he's somewhat inconsistent. I don't have my program with me, so I can't remember the other two big men's names, but I think they have four guys all above 220 pounds who while not long (Zeke should have a field day) are somewhat athletic and rebound extremely well. Young Trey Zeigler (6'6 SG), the coach's baby had his breakout night vs Montana State Saturday, with something like 24 pts in an OT loss. The CMU article says that Thomas made the 25 foot buzzer beater to defeat Cal St-Fullerton -- I thought it was the 5-8 point guard Rashid. I better get my eyes checked out. In general, Central Mich looks and plays great when behind, with slashing guard play, and an inside-out passing game which got lots of open Js. However, as soon as they get the lead, they seem to change their game entirely, waiting for the final 8 seconds to get off a play. Coach Zeigler should consult with the guy in the Akron jersey tonight. He will receive my advice to get down on his young players for being too lazy for large portions of games to have a killer instinct. They outplayed their opponents for half of the last two games, but got a miracle victory and an OT loss. They're really capable of much more -- they should be much better than the MAC West -- with possible exception of BSU. Tonight will be a very tough gambit for the Chipps, as the home Rainbow Warriors (or whatever they decide to call themselves this year) are possibly the most improved team in D-1. Very athletic, physical and great in transition. I actually look for them to make the post-season (there are like eight post-season tournaments now, I believe). Prediction: Hawaii 79 Central Michigan 66.

Look for Z.I.P. on Chippewa Live Tuesday.

Quick update: Game is on ESPNU tonight. Or should I say, tomorrow morning, for you East Coasters? I know you'll all be hanging on your seats at 4 A.M. to see this one! Well, watch for Z.I.P. in his Zips futbol duds! Can't wait for the Diamond Head Classic, where I intend (knock on wood) to be wearing an shirt.