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MAC Season Around the Corner


clarkwgriswold

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We're only nine days out from the Bowling Green Falcons coming into the JAR to open up the MAC season.  Every MAC team, with the exception of BG (5-7), Buffalo (5-7) and WMU (3-8) come into the MAC season with .500 or better records.  At this point, for what it's worth, the Zips are second in the MAC in point per game (to EMU) and are giving up the fewest points per game.  Chime in on what you expect to see/hope to see in the MAC regular season.

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I'm sure their embarrassing performance in Corvallis Saturday night against the previously pathetic Beavers caused a lot of introspection on this team, and provided heavy motivation.  Similar to how those Beavers had to show their fans they could win when they played the f.lashes.  Now it's Texas's turn.  I noticed that a commenter on the ESPN TEXAS - KSU game site from Richmond was not interested in having Shaka back at VCU.

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I am going with 13-5 and I think all the losses are on the road.  This team seems to play well at home at we always seem to shoot the ball well at home.  However, not sure this team has the mental and physical toughness to win on the road.  We really have not been tested in close games and  we still lack the "go to" guy when we need points in a close game.  I think that this team has the potential to be really good but a lot of things have to happen for this team to win out in the MAC.

 

First, Big Dog has to have a great year.  He is one of the most talented big men we have had.  It is rare that you get a guy that is big, quick for his size, coordinated and is a great passer.  He could dominate the MAC this year.  However, it bothers me when KD indicated that he is still playing himself into shape.  In non conference play he is averaging over 14 points and shooting 68%.  If he continues that type of play we could be very tough this year.

 

Will Kwan have a great senior year?  He is shooting over 40% from the 3 line.  His defense and rebounding have been great in non conference play.  He has hit 14 of 15 from the line but he should have more foul shots as an interior player.  I was real impressed with his game in Creighton and if he can play that well on the road we will be tough.  Also, can he not get down on himself when things do not go his way.  If Kwan plays well with a little inside offense we could go far.

 

Jimond Ivey.  I like his game because he gives us an athletic guy who can score on the fast break and close to the basket.  When Big Dog has the ball and all eyes are on him Jimond can move without the ball and get easy baskets.  He is now on KD's list of players that can make a mistake and not get pulled out which means he is playing with a lot more confidence.  Like to see him average in double digits without shooting the 3 ball.  If he has a breakout year we will be tough to beat.

 

Antino  I think Antino could be our best one on one player with his step back jump shot.  I like him at the point, especially when Big Dog is not in the game because he probably the best point guard at getting to the basket and finishing at the basket.  Unfortunately, all of our guards are small and not particularly strong and need to play tough on the road because it will get physical.  He turns the ball over more than Noah but that will happen when you are aggressive driving to the basket.  He shot over 40% in non conference play both from the field and from 3 point.

 

Noah, would love to see Noah play like he did his frosh year before the knee injury.  He had a great game at Marshall.  Can he bring that every night.  He has to shoot the ball well for this team to be successful.  Because of the double team on Big Dog he will get the open looks.  

 

Josh Williams.  He could be our best shooter.  No doubt he is the streakiest shooter we have.  When he is on it is like he cannot miss.  I like to see him move without the ball and come off picks for open threes.  He needs to improve on attacking the basket and his defense.  Has only taken 8 foul shots the entire non conference schedule.  

 

I think we have good backups with Jackson, Hughs and Dunn Martin.   We played a pretty weak non conference schedule at home so hopefully the good shooting is not a result of weak competition.  Looking forward to MAC play and winning the MAC.  

 

 

 

    

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7 hours ago, lilroodude said:

To Joe Akron, it looks like Can't beat Texas. That's a quality win.

 

If you play them, wins may come...

 

Yep.  The type of win we've been seeking for years.  

 

I have no love for Shaka, but I don't like seeing Kent show that they are capable of winning a game like this on the road.  

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Whether it brings Joe Akron out to the JAR or not, a win on the road against a mediocre Big-12 Texas squad has got to be better prep for wins in March than playing name-a-crappy-team at home in December. I'd gladly give up one or two of our home games for road games against P5 squads, decent or not.

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