UofAZIPS.com Blog

USF WINS IN THE CHILL ON THE ROAD

The University of Akron soccer team lost to the University of South Florida 1-0 in a double overtime heartbreaker at Lee Jackons Field.

ADVANTAGES DIDN’T HELP THE ZIPS IN SOCCER

UA dominates most of the game but loses in double OT…The Beacon Journal

ZIPS FALL IN 2 OTs TO BULLS…The Plain Dealer

ZIPS LOSE OVERTIME HEARTBREAKER…The Buchtelite

USF MEN’S SOCCER TEAM ADVANCES…Tampa Bay Online

AKRON FALLS TO USF…GoZips.com

(photo:  Lew Stamp, Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron seniors Jabari Arthur (WR) and Reggie Corner (DB) headline a list of eight Zip football players named to the All-Mid-American Conference team, the league announced today. Arthur and Corner were each tabbed first team. Brion Stokes (LB), Chris Kemme (OL) and Almondo Sewell (DL) were each named to the third team with John Mackey (DB), Bryan Williams (both RB and KR) and Kevin Grant (LB) receiving third team honors.

GoZips.com

Mid-American Conference News Release
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ZIPS FOOTBALL LOOKS AHEAD TO 2008

Coach Brookhart to seek playmakers who can build on team’s strength…The Beacon Journal

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UA SOCCER TEAM TOUGH TO BEAT AT HOME

The Mid-American Conference champions are undefeated at home (9-0-2) as they host the University of South Florida tonight in the second round of the NCAA tournament…The Beacon Journal

BULLS CONTINUE CHAMPIONSHIP PURSUIT…The Oracle (University of South Florida student newspaper)

USF SOCCER AT AKRON WEDNESDAY

Game notes available from the South Florida Athletic Web site.

(photo:  Gavin Jackson, Akron Beacon Journal)

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ZIPS BASKETBALL MOVES UP IN POLL

The University of Akron basketball team has moved up four spots in this week’s Mid-Major Top 25. The Zips check in at #13, moving up from last week’s ranking of #17.

Mid-Major 25

MIAMI LEADS MAC IN SAGARIN RATINGS

Miami is the highest-rated MAC team in the Sagarin ratings at #54. Kent State, Western Michigan and Ohio University all rank ahead of Akron, which comes in at #113, despite their 4-1 record and recent victory over Temple. According to Sagarin, Akron has the easiest schedule in the MAC and the 319th most difficult schedule.

NCAA Men’s College Basketball Sagarin Rankings

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UA’S MASCOT ZIPPY ADVANCES IN ALL-AMERICAN MASCOT CHALLENGE…The Beacon Journal

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MAC BOWL INVITATIONS TO FOLLOW CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Mid-American Conference News Release

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MAC ANNOUNCES FINAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK…Mid-American Conference

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MAC AWARDS BRIGHTEN KSU…The Beacon Journal

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WESTERN MICHIGAN PICKS UP KICKER…Grand Haven Tribune

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

AKRON 67, TEMPLE 65

Taking their lead from the Cleveland Browns, the Akron Zips made the conclusion to their 67-65 win over Temple much, much too exciting.

“This should have been an 11-12 point victory,” said Akron coach Keith Dambrot. “But that’s part of the learning process.”

Akron (4-1) held a 62-49 lead going into the final four minutes of the game, only to see it dissolve as Temple (2-4) launched a 16-5 run leading to the exciting conclusion that turned out on the plus side for the Zips.

“It’s a big win for us,” said Dambrot who was coaching in his 100th game for the Zips. “Anytime we win a game, it builds confidence.”

Temple started the game with an 11-4 lead. That’s when Dambrot called an early time out. “I just wanted to settle our guys down and let them understand what we had to do defensively.” The strategy apparently worked as Akron then went on a 16-0 run to take control of the game until the drama in the waning minutes.

Cedrick Middleton led the Zips with 17 points. Nick Dials had 16 and Jeremiah Wood scored 14. Akron won the battle of the boards with 35 rebounds to the Owls’ 29.

Despite the fact that free throws continue to be a problem for the Zips, who hit only 16 of 28 from the line, Dambrot doesn’t appear to be too concerned about his foul-shooting challenged club. “They’re going to make their free throws,” he added.

The Zips extended their home wining streak to 12 games and have won 42 of their last 44 games at the JAR.

Akron is now 2-0 against Temple, winning the first game in an 80-73 overtime contest in the 2006 NIT.

Only 2,309 attended the Monday night game against Temple of the Atlantic 10 conference.

Next up for Akron is Wyoming this Saturday with tipoff at 7 p.m. at the JAR, capping off this three-game homestand.

“These (Temple and Wyoming) are the types of games we need to play,” said Dambrot. “That’s what I want to do with a complete schedule.”

ZIPS MAKE OWLS SCREECH…Akron Beacon Journal

OWLS BOUNCE BACK, BUT NOT QUITE ENOUGH…The Philadelphia Inquirer

AKRON ZIPS TAKE DOWN TEMPLE…The Plain Dealer

AFTER SIX GAMES, OWLS STILL SEARCHING FOR RYTHUM…The Temple News

MEN’S BASKETBALL GETS BYE TEMPLE…GoZips.com

MEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS SHORT IN AKRON…Temple Athletics

Post-Game Quotes

Post-Game Notes

Akron-Temple Box Score

(photo:  Lew Stamp, Akron Beacon Journal)

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AKRON MEN’S BASKETBALL SIGNS FIVE TO 2008-09 CLASS

University of Akron head men’s basketball coach Keith Dambrot announced on Monday that Nikola Cvetinovic, Alex Sullivan, Andrew Parrish, Brett McClanahan and Anthony “Humpty” Hitchens have signed national letters of intent to play at the school starting in the 2008-09 season. All five are currently in their senior season of high school. GoZips.com has the details.

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SOLDIER DIES IN CRASH INVOLVING AKRON FOOTBALL PLAYER

ENDICOTT, N.Y. (AP) — A defensive lineman for the University of Akron is in fair condition with a broken leg after a weekend crash in central New York state that killed a U.S. soldier.

Nineteen-year-old Amodeni Odofin played in Akron’s season-ending loss Friday against Central Michigan. He was a passenger riding with 20-year-old Army Private Philip Diaferio, who died early Saturday at the scene in Endicott, New York.

Odofin is from that area, as was Diaferio.

Authorities say speed was a factor in the crash. Diaferio’s car ran off a road, went airborne and struck a tree.

His family says Diaferio was deployed to Iraq in September and had been home on leave for about a week before he was killed.

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MIAMI PLAYS FOR MAC TITLE…The Plain Dealer

MIAMI LOSS IN MAC TITLE GAME WOULD LAND BALL STATE IN BOWL…Muncie Star-Press

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HUSKIES’ NOVAK RETIRES

“I wasn’t going to give anyone the chance to fire me,” NIU coach Joe Novak joked. MACReportOnline.com

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GOING BOWLING

Central Michigan recovers from a 13-point deficit to down Akron and become bowl-eligible. CM-Life.com reports

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FOUR WINS BRINGS HIGHER EXPECTATIONS

With all but two seniors returning, the Owls are ready to establish themselves in the MAC…The Temple News

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MACReportOnline recaps Week #13 action

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Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

‘WE’RE GOOD ENOUGH FOR NOW, NO BETTER,’ SAYS DAMBROT

The Zips beat the Binghamton Bearcats 71-51 in their home opener. But despite a 20-point win, the Zips have a lot of work to do in order to defend their Eastern Division Crown. Attendance at Saturday night’s home opener was 2,217.

ZIPS STRUGGLE EARLY, BUT MAKE PROGRESS…Akron Beacon Journal

ZIPS WIN, BUT SHOW VULNERABILITIES…The Plain Dealer

BEARCATS TROUNCED AT AKRON…Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin

MEN’S BASKETBALL DOWNS BINGHAMPTON…GoZips.com

AKRON RUNS AWAY FROM BU MEN’S BASKETBALL IN SECOND HALF…BU Athletics Web site

Akron-Binghamton Box Score

Post-game notes

Post-game quotes

(photo: Phil Masturzo, Akron Beacon Journal)

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TEMPLE IS NEXT

The next game for the Zips will be Monday against Temple. Last night, the Owls thrashed Bowling Green in a 72-55 victory in Anderson Arena.

We have talked about the Zips’ schedule strength. This is one of those games THE ZIPS MUST WIN, ESPECIALLY AT HOME if they are going to earn any street cred.

OWLS PIN BOWLING GREEN WITH STRONG SECOND HALF…The Philadelphia Inquirer

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FLASHES FLUSHED IN OT…The Plain Dealer

PARSEGHIAN’S FIVE FIELD GOALS TIES MU’S SINGLE-GAME RECORD…The Western Star (Lebanon, OH)

BOWL STILL POSSIBLE FOR MIAMI AFTER LOSS TO OHIO…The Western Star

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MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL REPORT…The Canton Repository

BALL STATE GETS SHARE OF WESTERN DIVISION TITLE…Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette

SATURDAY’S MAC BASKETBALL SUMMARY…Mid-American Conference

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

DISAPPOINTING LOSS AT THE BOWL CLOSES OUT ‘07

Disappointing? You bet. Zips fans, this one anyway, were looking for one thing, just one thing, to take as a positive as the current season comes to a close. Unfortunately, the one positive I found is leaving — Jabari Arthur. Once again, Arthur came up big, keeping the Zips in the ball game until the defense collapsed in the final minutes allowing Central to drive down the field two times for a score.

Chris Jaquemain, once again, struggled and made rookie mistakes. Crediting him with making a few big passes to Arthur, he still is holding on to the ball too long and throwing into double coverage when other receivers are open.

What made the Central Michigan loss especially hard to take was that the defense, the Zips strong-point, imploded. Chippewa quarterback Dan LeFevour did just about whatever he wanted in the closing minutes of the game. Granted, LeFevour is a talented quarterback. I guess his talent level is higher than that of our defense.

Another season at the Bowl has come to an end. The Zips, once again, hover around the .500 mark with a 4-8 record. And, once again, the season that just ended leaves Zips fans with a dissatisfying taste in their mouths.

Akron is my school and I love it. I’ve been going to Zips games since I was a kid and have seen just about every home game since my freshman year in 1977. I, like many, wonder when our time will come. Unfortunately, it won’t be for a few years.

Video Replays…ESPN

Akron -Central Michigan Box Score

Akron-Central Michigan Game Stats

AKRON DROPS SEASON FINALE…GoZips.com

ZIPS LOSE LATE 12-POINT LEAD

MAC West champ Central Michigan rallies…The Beacon Journal

Area college football results…Canton Repository

LeFevour leads Chippewas past Zips…The Plain Dealer has to use a wire story to report on the Zips game played a half hour away from Cleveland. The New York Times — NOT.

(photo: Ken Love, Akron Beacon Journal)

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MENS BASKETBALL STARTS THREE-GAME HOMESTAND

The Zips host a 1-3 Binghamton team at the JAR tonight at 7 p.m. The Zips have won their last ten games at the JAR, while Binghamton is on a two-game losing streak, dropping their last came to Central Connecticut State….GoZips.com

Binghampton has been D-I in basketball only since 2001. The last time the Zips played the Bearcats, they dealt them their worst beating at The Events Center, Binghampton’s home court, by a score of 90-55.

The Bearcats’ junior guard, Dwayne Jackson, played high school hoops at Walsh Jesuit, where he was an all-Ohio scholastic player.

Next up, the Zips play Temple at home Monday, then Wyoming Saturday. A long, much-needed home stand after a trip to Fairbank, Alaska to participate in the BP Top of the World Tournament, where they came in third.
Akron-Binghamton Game Notes

Akron-Binghampton Game Notes from Binghampton Media Relations

BU MEN AIM FOR MORE PATIENCE…Binghamton Press & Sun-Journal

DAMBROT SAYS ZIPS IN SURVIVAL MODE…Beacon Journal

Southern Cal edges out Miami and Xavier downs Kent State in MAC baskeball action…MAC Web site

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In this season of firsts for the Owl football program, one more win means they have arrived in the MAC…Philadelphia Daily News

Complete Weekend MAC Recap…ESPN

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Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZIPS HONORING SENIORS BEFORE CMU GAME

AKRON – The University of Akron athletics department will honor its 16 football seniors this Friday as the Zips host MAC West champion Central Michigan this Friday at 11:00 am. The game will be telecast on ESPNU and broadcast on the Akron-ISP Sports Network on 1350 AM and 1490 AM.

More from Akron Media Relations

(photo: Jeff Harwell, Zips Sports Photography)

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ZIPS HAVE WORK CUT OUT FOR THEM

Team will have to start, finish strong in order to beat Central Michigan; Brookhart predicts shootout…Beacon Journal

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CMU LOOKING TO GO BOWLING WITH WIN AT AKRON

A few weeks ago, it looked like there was nothing on the line in this game between the Zips and the Chipps, however, as the Western Star (Mt. Pleasant, MI) reports, CMU needs to beat the Zips in order to ensure a winning record, and thus, a potential bowl bid should they lose the MAC Championship game to Miami.

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Central Michigan Game Notes (from Akron Media Relations)

Akron Game Notes (from Central Michigan)

MAC Championship opponents ready with time to spare…The Plain Dealer

MACReportOnline.com previews Week#13 action.

CMU Quarterback Dan LeFevour was named MAC Offensive MVP by MACReportOnline. Miami coach Shane Montgomery was also named MAC Coach of the Year.

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

UA ZIPS SOCCER TEAM SEEDED #14 IN NCAA TOURNAMENT

The University of Akron Zips drew a first-round bye as the NCAA announced the pairings for the men’s national soccer championship tournament. The Zips will play the winner of the Colgate-South Florida game in Tampa, FL on November 28.

NCAA News Release

Soccer Tournament Brackets

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‘IT’S GOING TO BE A SHOOTOUT…’ BROOKHART ON CMU GAME

On the loss versus Miami (Ohio) last Wednesday…
“When you look back on the game, its crazy. The interception that Chris Jacquemain threw we were down at the 25, second and nine. If he just runs the ball we are third and four and who knows whether we get a first down or not. Worst case scenario would have been Igor Iveljic kicking and then we are probably up 3-0 and win 3-0. But we made a decision to make a change, tried to make something happen to get some points going. We didn’t protect overly well, the ball got loose. It was the only touchdown of the game. Never would I have imagined that low scoring of a game out of that contest.”

On senior wide receiver Jabari Arthur…
“He is really different than anyone else I have been able to coach. I think he has gotten so good, purely on a want to basis. He wants to be good at whatever he does. He has that personality and that attitude towards school. He isn’t the fastest; he doesn’t have the greatest flexibility and he is not a natural hands guy. All those things that you need to be great are not real god given for him as a receiver. I think it’s a real testament to the kind of guy he is. He has worked on his speed, he’s worked on his hands, he’s worked on his route running and he has become extremely effective at it. I think it’s the way he will be the rest of his life. What he chooses to be good at, he will be good at. He’s a smart kid, bright and vibrant. I don’t think I’ve had a bad moment with him. He takes full advantage of the student-athlete experience. He is looking for a good opportunity in the NFL but if it doesn’t work out, he is very well prepared.”

On the senior class…
“It is going to be sad to see some of these guys go. These guys were a big part of that first year when we tried to develop a mentality here. One of the first things we did was try to develop a defensive mentality that I think is showing up. We have made huge strides in that area. I think we got a toughness factor about the defense. These kids overcame a lot and they’ve been through a lot in changing a program. They will be able to look back and say that we were the guys that had to find a ride to practice in the beginning, had to bring our clothes to the P.E. locker room and now we are sitting here having been part of advancing this program to the indoor facility and after winning a championship getting offices approved and continuing to do well and have enough faith in the program to build a stadium. They have a lot to be proud of.”

On the 2007 season as a whole…
“We were very close this season to having a number of wins that we didn’t have. I believe we made some adjustments in the program that were necessary. We knew that there was some transition to this year and these were kids that have been enjoyable to coach. We haven’t had cancer on the team, our locker rooms been good, the attitude has been outstanding, I would coach these kids again. Are we missing some things? Yes, two NFL receivers who didn’t find it important to go to school. That obviously hurts. I made a decision to dismiss six others. They were talented kids and it hurt in depth. Was it the right thing to do? Yes, it was right for the future of the program. I talked with Mack Rhoades and we agreed upon it. Because of those things there were some limitations and we had some things to overcome. We were close to doing that in a number of games. The disappointing thing to me is that we suspended three players throughout the year and two of them were quarterbacks. That limits your chance for success. A different commitment level has to be there at that position. Do we have a bunch of good kids? Absolutely, I would coach them again and look forward to continuing to coach these guys.”

On facing Central Michigan on Friday…
“They are extremely talented. They are throwing up 44 points in a league game. I think it’s going to be a shootout and your going to have to score a lot of points to win. The quarterback (Dan LeFevour) is clearly the best in the league. He makes it happen, both running and throwing the ball. He has very good skills. There are two running backs and a number of receivers that can make some things happen. They will move the ball effectively.”

(source: Akron Media Relations, photo: Jeff Harwell, Zips Sports Photography)

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AKRON GAME PROVES DANGEROUS

CM-LIFE, which has proven itself to be one of the better student newspapers in the MAC, reports that after the let down against EMU, the Akron game is very dangerous. After last week’s let down against Eastern, the Chips shouldn’t be taking anything for granted. The Akron-CMU game is scheduled for an 11 a.m. kickoff this Friday.

COSTLY MISTAKES

Central Michigan, the Zips next opponent, made costly mistakes in their loss to Eastern Michigan last week. CM-life.com

EASTERN HAD MORE TO PLAY FOR

In what reeks as a rationalization, CM-Life.com says the Eagles beat the Chipps because they had more on the line. Uh-huh…yeah.

(photo: Dave Williams, CMU Athletics)

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ZIPPY WINS AGAIN

For the 10th straight week, Zippy has won in the Capitalonebowl.com Mascot competition. This week, Zippy has a stiff challenge from Hairy Dog of Georgia, who is in second place in the overall standings. Vote for Zippy!

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Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

AKRON DEFEATS BUFFALO IN MAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

The University of Akron men’s soccer team, who won the 2007 Mid-American Conference regular-season crown, completed the sweep Sunday afternoon at Lee Jackson Field with a 1-0 double-overtime victory over second-seed Buffalo to win the 2007 MAC Tournament title, as well as earn the league’s automatic berth to the NCAA Championship.

Although dominating the game statistically, the Zips were not able to put the ball in the back of the Bulls’ net until early in the second overtime. Akron sophomore Ben Zemanski (Akron, Ohio/Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy) sent the ball from near midfield to deep in the right corner of the Bulls defense. Senior Steve Kalan (Highland Heights, Ohio/Mayfield HS) tracked down the ball just before it hit the endline and served the ball to the middle of the field. Freshman Anthony Ampaipitakwong (Carrollton, Texas/IMG (Fla.) Academy) flashed to the ball and headed it past UB keeper Robert Shuttleworth in the 101st minute for the Zips’ fifth MAC Tournament title.

Akron held an 18-4 advantage in shots taken for the match, while getting nine corner kicks to the Bulls one. In the first half, the shots were nearly even at 4-3 in UA’s favor. However, Akron’s defense only allowed one more Bulls’ shot the remainder of the match. The Zips’ defensive effort, spurred by All-Tournament picks Devin McKenney (North Olmstead, Ohio/North Olmstead HS) and Corey Sipos (Tucson, Ariz./Salpointe Cathlolic), is even more impressive considering Buffalo’s Matt Bulley, who did not get off one shot, entered the MAC tourney as the league leader shots, points and goals.

Buffalo’s Shuttleworth, who lost for just his second time in 12 matches in goal, was credited with five saves, including an impressive deflection off a Matt Tutich (Westmont, Ill./Hillsdale Central HS) rocket from the top of the box in the first half. Akron’s Evan Bush (Concord, Ohio/Lake Catholic HS) had two saves as he posted his 12th shutout of the season and the 35th of his career.

Zip fans can join the athletics department in finding out Akron’s postseason fate this Monday, at 5:30 pm at Cleats in Fairlawn when the NCAA College Cup selection show will be telecast in ESPN News.

2007 MAC Men’s Soccer All-Tournament Team
Devin McKenney – Akron
Corey Sipos – Akron
Steve Zakuani – Akron
Ben Zemanski – Akron
Robert Shuttleworth – Buffalo
Dan Gwyther – Buffalo
Dan Stevens – Buffalo
Chris Sardon – Hartwick
Liam Parrington – Hartwick
Chris Ruffa – Northern Illinois
Steve Algozino – Northern Illinois

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UA SOCCER TEAM WINS MAC TITLE…Akron Beacon Journal

University at Buffalo Athletics

(source: Akron Media Relations, photo: Jeff Harwell, Zips Sports Photography)

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AKRON PLACES THIRD AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD

Nick Dials hit a 12-foot jump shot with 3.9 seconds remaining and Akron nipped Tennessee State 74-72 on Sunday to claim third place in the BP Top of the World Classic at the Carlson Center.

LaDarious Weaver’s 3-point attempt at the buzzer hit the rim but bounced out.

Tennessee State (2-3) played from behind most of the game. The Tigers took their only lead of the contest in the first half when Jerrell Houston intercepted a Zips’ pass, drove the length of the court and dunked to make it 22-20 with 5:38 remaining.

Akron responded with 11 unanswered points, including a pair of 3-pointers from Steve McNees, pushing the score to 31-22. Akron led at intermission 38-28.

Akron allowed Tennessee State to come back in the second half. With three minutes remaining, the Zips missed five straight free throws.

The Tigers’ Bruce Price hit one of two free throws with 1:36 remaining, closing Akron’s lead to 71-70. After an Akron free throw, Price stole the ball, drove down the court and scored with 1:17 remaining to tie the game at 72.

Dials drove and pulled up on the right wing for his game-winning shot.

Jeremiah Wood led the Zips with 17 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Dials added 13 points, and six assists.

Houston led all players with 20 points and nine rebounds.

Akron is idle until Nov. 24 when it plays host to Binghamton at Rhodes Arena. That game is the start of a three-game homestand for the Zips, who face Temple on Nov. 26 and Wyoming on Dec. 1.

(Source: Akron Media Relations)

DIALS’ LATE JUMP SHOT LIFTS ZIPS IN ALASKA…Akron Beacon Journal

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WHO IS THE BEST RUNNING BACK FROM AKRON?

Chris Wells?  Antonio Pittman?  DeLone Carter?  There have been many great college running backs out of the Rubber City.  Unfortunately, none have played for the Akron Zips.  Nate Ulrich blogs on Ohio.com.

Contact Don Olson at:  donolson160@yahoo.com

SLOPPY PLAY, NO 3′S LEAD TO ZIPS LOSS

The Zips couldn’t hit an outside shot to save their lives last night, losing to Portland State 66-63 in the BP Top of the World Classic in Fairbanks, Alaska. Akron won the battle of the boards, out rebounding the Vikings 40-28, but Jimmy Conyers and Nate Linhart were 0-13 from three-point range, preventing the Zips from really taking control.

TOP OF THE WORLD CLASSIC VIKINGS PLAY FOR TITLE…The Orgonian

DOMINGUEZE COMES UP BIG FOR PORTLAND STATE…Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

MEN’S HOOPS GETS EDGED BY PORTLAND STATE…GoZips.com

RECAP: AKRON VS. PORTLAND STATE…Lexington Herald Leader

Box Score

In other Top of the World Classic action

Nanooks Rally to Stun Beavers…Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

RESTLESS JAGUARS DEFEAT SPARTANS…Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

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FRESHMEN LIFT ZIPS UP A NOTCH

The UA soccer team plays Buffalo for the MAC Championship today at 2 p.m. at Lee Jackson Field…The Beacon Journal

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Miami locks up the East title with a Bowling Green win over Buffalo; Temple beats Kent State; Western loses a close one to Iowa…Week 12 results from MACOnlineReport.com

Miami wraps up MAC East…Cincinnati Enquirer

RedHawks make MAC title game…Western Star (Lebanon, OH)

Miami clinches MAC East with Buffalo loss…MSNBC

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Bulls fall to Bowling Green…The Buffalo News

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Temple hands Kent sixth straight loss…The Plain Dealer

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Saturday’s Hoops results from MACOnlineReport.com

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

AFTER A COMMANDING LEAD, ZIPS SQUEAK BY WITH VICTORY

Jeremiah Wood scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the University of Akron men’s basketball team held on to defeat South Carolina Upstate 64-60 on Friday in the opening round of the BP Top of the World Classic at Carlson Center.Akron (1-0) led by as many as 19 points in the first half, but USC Upstate (0-2) behind Luke Payne’s six points began the second half with an 8-2 run and closed to 43-34 with 15:56 left.

With just under nine minutes left, Payne hit a jump shot and a free throw to start a 12-3 run that drew the Spartans to within two points at 56-58, but they could get no closer.

With 50 seconds remaining, the Spartans’ Rashawn Brailsford forced a turnover and fed Rory Spencer, who scored on a short jump shot in the lane to close to 63-60.

USC Upstate had a chance to tie as the clock wound down but missed three straight 3-pointers.

Akron’s Wood, who had missed five consecutive free throws, hit one with two seconds remaining to close out the scoring.

Quade Milum scored 14 points and pulled down six rebounds for the Zips.

Nicek Schneiders had 11 points and eight rebounds for the Spartans.

The Zips will take on Portland State in the event’s semi-final round on Saturday at midnight EST (8 p.m. AKT). PSU topped IUPUI 75-73 in Friday’s other opening round game.

(SOURCE: Associated Press, photo: Akron Media Relations)

Spartans learn from tough loss to Zips…Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Zips fend off upset-minded Spartans…USC Upstate Athletics

Zips recapture lead against USC Upstate…Akron Beacon Journal

Game recap on ESPN

Box Score

In other Top of the World Classic action, Portland State defeats IUPUI.

Injuries won’t slow ‘Nooks effort…host Alaska Nanooks take on Oregon State…Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

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AKRON SOCCER ADVANCES TO MAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

UA set to play Buffalo after double-overtime victory…Akron Beacon Journal

GoZips.com game write up

Tournament Summary from the Mid-American Conference

(photo: Gavin Jackson/Akron Beacon Journal)

EMU stuns CMU in football…MACReportOnline.com

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Friday’s MAC Basketball recap

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com