2026 Big Dance Round 1 - Texas Tech

[ZippyRulz]

Because creating new threads is fun (and it might be nice to have a specific game thread) 😁

 

Fri. 3/20 at 12:40 ET at Tampa NHL arena on TruTV

 

Zips +7.5 on DraftKings

 

The game is getting some media buzz as one of the most likely upsets due to TT injuries and a good team size matchup.

 

Edited 5 hours ago by ZippyRulz

[Let'sGoZips94]

~40% from 3P and we win this game. Maintain an up-tempo pace - run these guys out of the gym. They're not deep, they're not tall, and Akron is due. Play with confidence. 

Edited yesterday at 06:26 PM by Let'sGoZips94

[Let'sGoZips94]

88% of the money is on Akron ML. 

[Zippy87]

I definitely think whoever wins the three-point shooting battle wins the game. 

 

We shot 32% this weekend (26/82), so that will have to improve a bit. It should go without saying, but we need to do much better at the FT line too- shooting 57% (31/54) like we did this weekend won't cut it. 

 

[Let'sGoZips94]

3 minutes ago, Zippy87 said:

I definitely think whoever wins the three-point shooting battle wins the game. 

 

We shot 32% this weekend (26/82), so that will have to improve a bit. It should go without saying, but we need to do much better at the FT line too- shooting 57% (31/54) like we did this weekend won't cut it. 

 

 

Miami OH losing put all the pressure on the Zips in Cleveland. They took their foot off the gas to seemingly conserve energy vs. Buffalo. Then they couldn't re-engage how they wanted and the offense struggled the rest of the tournament. Watching their shooting motions, they looked to be aiming. They weren't confident in their shots and were trying to be precise, hence why the majority of the shots were short. I do not expect the same type of performance in Tampa. Not saying they'll shoot lights out, but I expect a better flow and more confidence offensively. 

[clarkwgriswold]

I didn't start one thinking the tournament thread covered it as it did not the past, but have at it!

[Let'sGoZips94]

Just now, clarkwgriswold said:

I didn't start one thinking the tournament thread covered it as it did not the past, but have at it!

 

We haven't won a tourney game before - I'm all for mixing it up. 

[NWAkron]

14 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Miami OH losing put all the pressure on the Zips in Cleveland. They took their foot off the gas to seemingly conserve energy vs. Buffalo. Then they couldn't re-engage how they wanted and the offense struggled the rest of the tournament. Watching their shooting motions, they looked to be aiming. They weren't confident in their shots and were trying to be precise, hence why the majority of the shots were short. I do not expect the same type of performance in Tampa. Not saying they'll shoot lights out, but I expect a better flow and more confidence offensively. 

That's quite a hot take.  Aiming instead of shooting?  

[clarkwgriswold]

20 minutes ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Miami OH losing put all the pressure on the Zips in Cleveland. They took their foot off the gas to seemingly conserve energy vs. Buffalo. Then they couldn't re-engage how they wanted and the offense struggled the rest of the tournament. Watching their shooting motions, they looked to be aiming. They weren't confident in their shots and were trying to be precise, hence why the majority of the shots were short. I do not expect the same type of performance in Tampa. Not saying they'll shoot lights out, but I expect a better flow and more confidence offensively. 

 

I think they play in bandboxes, high school level gyms and barns all season then they hit a big time arena that doesn't give them the opportunity to practice in the facility or have a meaningful shoot around, and it takes time to adjust.  I think that's a factor in the MAC tourney shooting.

[NWAkron]

I will be looking to see which team scores more points.  That should determine the outcome.

[ZipsFan31]

Akron was definitely feeling the pressure of being the team that had something to lose this past weekend once Miami lost. The script flips on Friday. As we are the team with nothing to lose. 
 

we were playing with Purdue and even ahead the first eight minutes of the game before their size overwhelmed us. I don’t think T tech can over power us. 
 

with that being said, I don’t think our guards can stop their guards. So it’s gonna be a track meet whoever shoots better wins… I thought the same thing last year against Arizona as they were not a bunch of trees and then they dominated us defensively an shut us down completely. 
 

[Zippy87]

Shammah Scott needs 8 points to reach 1,000 for his career. 

[Sergeant Zip]

N/A

Edited yesterday at 08:10 PM by Sergeant Zip
Deleted

[ZippyRulz]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/tourney/2026/03/17/march-madness-upset-predictions-final-four-picks-to-help-fill-out-ncaa-tournament-bracket-2026/89193610007/

 

It's fun to see all the upset picks but no one should expect it will be anything other than a tough uphill battle.

 

[UAZipster0305]

On 3/16/2026 at 3:09 PM, NWAkron said:

I will be looking to see which team scores more points.  That should determine the outcome.

"Thanks, John." - Pat Summerall

[NWAkron]

10 minutes ago, UAZipster0305 said:

"Thanks, John." - Pat Summerall

If not now...when?

Edited 1 hour ago by NWAkron

[clarkwgriswold]

It's going to come down to which team wants it more.

[zipsrule]

4 minutes ago, clarkwgriswold said:

It's going to come down to which team wants it more.

and whoever has a more viable backup big.

[NWAkron]

1 hour ago, clarkwgriswold said:

It's going to come down to which team wants it more.

 

1 hour ago, zipsrule said:

and whoever has a more viable backup big.

Physicality.  Whoever comes ready to play.

[clarkwgriswold]

Just now, NWAkron said:

 

Physicality.  Whoever comes ready to play.

The Zips need to remember that there's no I in team.

[kreed5120]

I just hope everyone has fun

[MDZip]

USA today article that they seem to do every year on famous alums from the schools that make the NCAA tournament. They didn't even use any athletes for us this year. 

[Let'sGoZips94]

1 minute ago, MDZip said:

USA today article that they seem to do every year on famous alums from the schools that make the NCAA tournament. They didn't even use any athletes for us this year. 

 

Excuse you. Alexa Bliss is an athlete. 

[MDZip]

1 minute ago, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Excuse you. Alexa Bliss is an entertainer. 

FIFY. 😊