Akron vs. EMU

[RowdyZip]

No conversation on this one. I just saw a tweet go through with the opening line so I thought I'd jot down some thoughts. The opening line is listed as Akron (-15) and an over/under of 110. If that's accurate, Vegas thinks the Zips win 62-47 or close to it. Scanning EMU's season so far, the most they've given up was 65 at Buffalo, and (ironically) 62 @ Miami. Expect a maddening pace, and hope our guys don't get frustrated. To some effect, I'd like to see the Zips impose their style on EMU. In non conference action to clearly superior teams, the Eagles gave up 70+ several times. If we can push the pace and hit from the outside, there's no reason that we shouldn't win this game by 20 points plus. Then again, it could go the opposite and we could see it come down to the wire if we settle into their drag-out half court style. A thrilling 52-47 game isn't out of the question. Hopefully we're not looking forward to our last "challenge" against the west in WMU or toward the bracket buster matchup in Tulsa.

See you at the game.

GO ZIPS! B)

[Blue & Gold]

EMU is tough. Since MAC play began they've added a 7' center to their roster. He is a transfer from Syracuse (kid hails from Detroit) and he's definitely a defensive stopper. He's athletic, movea his feet and arms very well, and definitely passes the eyeball test (at least he sure did on tv). I'm looking forward to seeing how Zeke matches upmwith someone his own size!

Go Zips!!

[tpsjugglerdude]

Against Miami at the end of regulation it was 46-46....most exciting game ever? I think the Zips should cruise 72-58.

[Blue & Gold]

Against Miami at the end of regulation it was 46-46....most exciting game ever? I think the Zips should cruise 72-58.

I hope the game is not embarrassingly slow. I no longer invite guests to the Miami games because they're so painful to watch. With the momentum UA has right now, there mayy be a really nice crowd atbthe game with some Joe Akrons attending their first Zips game. If EMU makes it SLOW, BORING game I'll be ticked.

[MDZip]

I was just checking out the MAC West pretenders. Bold prediction. Not one of them finishes the crossover season with a winning record. EMU finishes with Akron, Can't and OU, WMU finishes with Can't, Akron and Buffalo and Ball State has the "easiest" with Miami, BG and Can't. They'd have to win 2 of those three to get above .500 and I say they don't do it. That would almost eliminate the MAC West champ from one of the top four seeds. Thank god they changed the tournament format or some combination of at least three of Akron, Can't, OU and Buffalo would be one one side (and I'll tell you I wouldn't be fond of facing BG either). So odds are looking like two of that group will make the automatic quarters and two the automatic semis. It really sucks to be a 5th seed this year. This would be an excellent year to be the 1 seed. Stolen from Mollaut of the Redhawks board here is what the tournament would look like today (he does a really great job with this):

First Round (Campus Sites): Monday, March 5, 2012

GM 1: 12. NIU (1-7) @ 5. Can't (5-3)$ - TBA

GM 2: 9. CMU (2-6)# @ 8. WMU (4-4)% - TBA

GM 3: 10. Toledo (2-6)# @ 7. BSU (4-4)% - TBA

GM 4: 11. Miami (2-6)# @ 6. BGSU (4-4)% - TBA

Second Round (Cleveland): Wednesday, March 7, 2012

GM 5: Winner GM 1 v. Winner GM 2 - TBA (STO)

GM 6: Winner GM 3 v. Winner GM 4 - TBA (STO)

Quarterfinals (Cleveland): Thursday, March 8, 2012

GM 7: Winner GM 5 v. 4. EMU (5-3)$ - TBA (STO)

GM 8: Winner GM 6 v. 3. Buffalo (6-2)* - TBA (STO)

Semifinals (Cleveland): Friday, March 9, 2012

GM 9: Winner GM 7 v. 1. Akron (7-1) - TBA (STO)

GM 10: Winner GM 8 v. 2. Ohio (6-2)* - TBA (STO)

Finals (Cleveland): Saturday, March 10, 2012

GM 5: Winner GM 9 v. Winner GM 10 - 8pm (ESPN2)

NOTE: Under new format, division champions no longer earned top 2 seeds (like format in 1998 and 1999).

TIEBREAKER EXPLANATIONS:

* Ohio beat Buffalo head-2-head..

$ EMU beats Can't as having the best winning % versus the highest ranked team -> #6, Bowling Green (by the way, the only other East vs. West losses both belong to Miami)

% Among 4-4 teams, head-2-head, BGSU is 1-0; BSU is 1-1; and WMU is 0-1.

# Among 2-6 teams, head-2-head, CMU is 1-0; Toledo is 1-1; and Miami is 0-1.

[akronzips71]

So if I understand this, it could take only two wins to go to the dance?

[Blue & Gold]

I was just checking out the MAC West pretenders. Bold prediction. Not one of them finishes the crossover season with a winning record. EMU finishes with Akron, Can't and OU, WMU finishes with Can't, Akron and Buffalo and Ball State has the "easiest" with Miami, BG and Can't. They'd have to win 2 of those three to get above .500 and I say they don't do it. That would almost eliminate the MAC West champ from one of the top four seeds. Thank god they changed the tournament format or some combination of at least three of Akron, Can't, OU and Buffalo would be one one side (and I'll tell you I wouldn't be fond of facing BG either). So odds are looking like two of that group will make the automatic quarters and two the automatic semis. It really sucks to be a 5th seed this year. This would be an excellent year to be the 1 seed. Stolen from Mollaut of the Redhawks board here is what the tournament would look like today (he does a really great job with this):

First Round (Campus Sites): Monday, March 5, 2012

GM 1: 12. NIU (1-7) @ 5. Can't (5-3)$ - TBA

GM 2: 9. CMU (2-6)# @ 8. WMU (4-4)% - TBA

GM 3: 10. Toledo (2-6)# @ 7. BSU (4-4)% - TBA

GM 4: 11. Miami (2-6)# @ 6. BGSU (4-4)% - TBA

Second Round (Cleveland): Wednesday, March 7, 2012

GM 5: Winner GM 1 v. Winner GM 2 - TBA (STO)

GM 6: Winner GM 3 v. Winner GM 4 - TBA (STO)

Quarterfinals (Cleveland): Thursday, March 8, 2012

GM 7: Winner GM 5 v. 4. EMU (5-3)$ - TBA (STO)

GM 8: Winner GM 6 v. 3. Buffalo (6-2)* - TBA (STO)

Semifinals (Cleveland): Friday, March 9, 2012

GM 9: Winner GM 7 v. 1. Akron (7-1) - TBA (STO)

GM 10: Winner GM 8 v. 2. Ohio (6-2)* - TBA (STO)

Finals (Cleveland): Saturday, March 10, 2012

GM 5: Winner GM 9 v. Winner GM 10 - 8pm (ESPN2)

NOTE: Under new format, division champions no longer earned top 2 seeds (like format in 1998 and 1999).

TIEBREAKER EXPLANATIONS:

* Ohio beat Buffalo head-2-head..

$ EMU beats Can't as having the best winning % versus the highest ranked team -> #6, Bowling Green (by the way, the only other East vs. West losses both belong to Miami)

% Among 4-4 teams, head-2-head, BGSU is 1-0; BSU is 1-1; and WMU is 0-1.

# Among 2-6 teams, head-2-head, CMU is 1-0; Toledo is 1-1; and Miami is 0-1.

Nice bracket! We should pin that MAC Tourney bracket and update it once or twice a week.

If Can't breaks into the number 4 spot, I'd be a little nervous facing them, as we may have a little rust to shake off come our first game.

I really like this format, as it puts due weight on the regular season. If you are outside the top 4 seeds, you'd have to win four games in 4 days to win it all.

[Blue & Gold]

So if I understand this, it could take only two wins to go to the dance?

Correct. Only two wins are necessary for seeds #1 & #2.

Three wins required for seeds #3 & #4.

Four wins necessary for seeds #5 & #6.

Not earning one of the top four seeds really puts you behind the 8 ball.

[MDZip]

Correct. Only two wins are necessary for seeds #1 & #2.

Three wins required for seeds #3 & #4.

Four wins necessary for seeds #5 & #6.

Not earning one of the top four seeds really puts you behind the 8 ball.

Actually, seeds 5-12 would have to win five games. 8 teams play in the first round, then the winners of those four games play and the two survivors of that face two rested teams in the "quarterfinals". That's why being a five seed really sucks.

[Blue & Gold]

Actually, seeds 5-12 would have to win five games. 8 teams play in the first round, then the winners of those four games play and the two survivors of that face two rested team in the "quarterfinals". That's why being a five seed really sucks.

Ah, right. Thank you.

Yeah, good grief, the # 5 seed has to do battle three times just to get the right to face the rested #1 seed in the semis. Ouch!

Here's to hoping Can't gets the #5!

[MDZip]

Nice bracket! We should pin that MAC Tourney bracket and update it once or twice a week.

Mollaut already does the work for us. He pretty much updates it after every set of games. He occasionally posts here on this board when we play Miami.

He also does something interesting called the golf standings, where a birdie means you got a win on the road, pars are wins at home or losses on the road, and bogeys are home losses. It really gives you a better feel for the real standings and how teams are playing in lieu of the league standings. This is where he has things this week:

EAST

1. Akron -4

2. Buffalo -2

-- Can't -2

4. Ohio -1

5. BGSU E

6. Miami +3

WEST

1. BSU -1

-- EMU -1

3. WMU +1

-- Toledo +1

5. CMU +2

6. NIU +4

[OZoner]

As long as the Zips make shots, they'll be fine. But if they don't, EMU will sit in that 2-3 zone all day, slow the game to a crawl, and make it very painful.

[CincyZip]

I believe the Zips can win this game in many different ways. Making shots is obviously important (when isn't it ) But I also like the idea of running up and down the court. I think the Zips will be able to break the grind it out style that led to a 41-37 final when EMU met Toledo.

But I am also interested in keeping an eye on how the Zips react if the Eagle defense gets to them. How visibly frustrated they get and the sort. That type a game can do that.

[Blue & Gold]

I believe the Zips can win this game in many different ways. Making shots is obviously important (when isn't it ) But I also like the idea of running up and down the court. I think the Zips will be able to break the grind it out style that led to a 41-37 final when EMU met Toledo.

But I am also interested in keeping an eye on how the Zips react if the Eagle defense gets to them. How visibly frustrated they get and the sort. That type a game can do that.

We should watch that tape to see what they did to slow down UT's Rian Pearson. I believe the guy's only a sophomore. We get the privilege and joy of facing him two more times.

And to your second point, yes. If they can slow down Pearson, they can slow down Q. Here's to seeing how Q reacts tonight.

[johnnyzip84]

We should watch that tape to see what they did to slow down UT's Rian Pearson. I believe the guy's only a sophomore. We get the privilege and joy of facing him two more times.

And to your second point, yes. If they can slow down Pearson, they can slow down Q. Here's to seeing how Q reacts tonight.

Well a zone always slows down a driver/slasher/mid-range guy like Pearson. With EMU using the 2-3 almost exclusively, it's understandable Rian had some difficulty with them. After all, it (the 2-3) was the only thing that slowed him down for UA.

Back to the game:

Zips 62

Eagles 56

[Zipmeister]

Against Miami at the end of regulation it was 46-46....most exciting game ever? I think the Zips should cruise 72-58.

I think TPS might be on to something here. I'm going to have to agree with Zips by 14.

[Dr Z]

Zips are favored by 15!?! They have covered three in a row. I'm not looking back at stats, but I'm willing to bet this is the first time in KD's career at Akron this has happened. I'm staying away from this game, KD's comments about EMU Monday night scared me and I have not seen EMU play yet. If like Buf -5 against Toledo today.

Go Zips!

[GoZips88]

Against Miami at the end of regulation it was 46-46....most exciting game ever? I think the Zips should cruise 72-58.

I EXPECT the Zips to cruise!

Really enjoying the season so far. A lot of talent deep into the bench. KD is able to shuffle nine different starters into the game, show teams different looks and styles of play, and keep guys fresh. Looking forward to tonight's game.

Go Zips!!!

[zestycoyote]

This should be a fun game to watch. I'll have my eyes on Harney and Zeke. Zeke has been hot lately and I'm hoping he can keep it going. Harney is looking to get back on track and I think EMU will be more focused on Zeke. That might allow more inside opportunities for the badger.

[burrdie]

Going out on a limb and I think we win by 20 points, IF they play like they should.

Well a zone always slows down a driver/slasher/mid-range guy like Pearson. With EMU using the 2-3 almost exclusively, it's understandable Rian had some difficulty with them. After all, it (the 2-3) was the only thing that slowed him down for UA.

Back to the game:

Zips 62

Eagles 56

[Dr Z]

...IF they play like they should.

That's the part that scares me, they did not last time out. Too sloppy. I was hoping someone who's opinion means something to me would have posted about how hard practice was yesterday, and how focused KD has got them. Should be a cake walk, but I need a blowout.

[Dave in Green]

EMU is tough. Since MAC play began they've added a 7' center to their roster. He is a transfer from Syracuse (kid hails from Detroit) and he's definitely a defensive stopper. He's athletic, movea his feet and arms very well, and definitely passes the eyeball test (at least he sure did on tv). I'm looking forward to seeing how Zeke matches upmwith someone his own size!

Go Zips!!

The matchup between Zeke and DaShonte Riley is definitely going to be this evening's highlight. They are two amazingly similar players -- same height, same wingspan, same weight, same quickness, same running ability, same focus on blocking and defense, even the same ESPN scout rating out of HS -- 92. They are so similar that it's downright eerie. This is a matchup worthy of drawing in NBA scouts.

Riley obviously has talent or he wouldn't have been recruited by Syracuse. Apparently he got a little homesick for the Detroit area, and followed his Syracuse assistant coach, Rob Murphy, when Murphy became EMU's new head coach.

Since Riley sat out his sophomore season at Syracuse with a foot injury, he'll have three seasons to play at EMU. So he and Zeke will be going at each other next season, too. I hate to think of the Zips going up against EMU and Riley as a senior in the 2013-14 season without Zeke.

[The Hip Zip]

It will be interesting to see if we work on our 3/4 trap or even full court pressing in order to get EMU to speed up to our pace. I doubt if KD will do it though. I just don't like the idea of a lesser team coming into our place and dictating tempo. With our depth, this is the perfect spot to be a little creative.

Zips 71

EMU 60

[Hilltopper]

That's the part that scares me, they did not last time out. Too sloppy. I was hoping someone who's opinion means something to me would have posted about how hard practice was yesterday, and how focused KD has got them. Should be a cake walk, but I need a blowout.

A little birdie told me the last few practices have been pretty intense.

[Quickzips]

A little birdie told me the last few practices have been pretty intense.

I would sure hope they were. KD (and most around here) have not been happy with the recent performances. Seeing as the team is winning, they need something to get motivated, and some tough love in practice is about the only thing that will do the trick when you are winning sloppy. I would imagine they haven't been sitting around the campfire singing koomba-ya.