ZipsWire-Akron Edges UIC

December 30th, 2007
by Don Olson
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ZIPS WIN FIFTH STRAIGHT

AKRON, OhioNick Dials hit a 3-pointer and went 5-of-6 from the free throw line in the final 41 seconds to key the University of Akron men’s basketball team to a 79-73 win over Illinois-Chicago on Saturday at Rhodes Arena.

The win was the fifth straight for Akron (10-2), and was also its 17th straight at home – the sixth-longest streak of its kind in the nation. The victory also gave the Zips their best start to a season in the program’s Division I era (began in 1980-81).

After leading 71-61 with 4:31 to play, UIC (8-5) used a 7-0 run to pull with 71-68 with 2:13 left. The score did not change until Dials converted his clutch 3-pointer to make it 74-68. A 3-pointer by UIC’s Josh Mayo with 29 seconds remaining brought the Flames within 74-71, but Dials’s near perfect showing from the line down the stretch held off the Flames who saw their five-game win streak come to an end.

The score was tied twice and the lead changed hands three times in the game’s first three minutes, but Akron took the lead for good, 11-10, at the 16:43 mark. The Zips took a 33-29 cushion into the break.

Jeremiah Wood led Akron with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Dials finished with 16 points and a career-high-tying eight assists. Dials was also 8-of-10 from the free throw line. Nate Linhart rounded out the Zips’ double-digit scorers, tallying 13 points and a season-high-tying six boards. Linhart, who scored in double figures for the fourth-straight game, went 5-of-6 from the floor, including a 3-of-3 showing from behind the 3-point line.

UIC shot 47.6 percent (30-of-63) from the floor and 39.1 percent (9-of-23) from 3-point land, while Akron hit (41.9 percent) 26-of-62 from the field and 45.5 percent (10-of-22) from long range. The Zips went to the free throw line 21 times (making 17/81.0 percent), while UIC was 4-of-6 (66.7 percent) from the charity stripe. The teams were even on the boards at 33 apiece.

UIC’s Robert Kreps and Robert Bush led all scorers with 19 points apiece, while Scott Vandermeer grabbed a game-high seven rebounds for the Flames. Josh Mayo finished with 12 points and six assists, but had five of UIC’s 14 turnovers.

Akron travels to Dayton on Jan. 2. Tip-off at UD Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.

(source: Akron Media Relations, photo: Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)

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LINHART STEADIES ZIPS’ SHIP…The Beacon Journal
MEN’S BASKETBALL WIN STREAK HALTED IN AKRON…UIC Athletics

AKRON 79 UIC 73….Associated Press

AKRON-UIC RUNNING GAME NOTES…Mike Rasor’s blog

Box Score

Post-Game Notes

Post-Game Quotes

KENT OPENS ITS DOOR FOR ANOTHER WIN…The Plain Dealer
Central Michigan destroyed Tiffin, 100-34 and Miami loses a close one to Cincinnati.

Complete Saturday MAC Men’s basketball results

MAC Saturday Game Summaries

MAC ReportOnline.com

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZipsWire-The Flames Invade the JAR

December 29th, 2007
by Don Olson

GAME NOTES

UIC (8-4) at Akron (9-2)

Saturday, December 29
7 p.m. EST
Rhodes Arena (5,500)
Akron, Ohio

Television: None

Radio: Akron-ISP Sports Network – SportsRadio 1350 AM (WARF) in Akron, WERE (1490 AM) in Cleveland and through the ZipsZone on GoZips.com. Steve French (play-by-play) and Joe Dunn (color). (6:30 p.m. EST airtime)

Akron Coach Keith Dambrot (Akron ‘82):
Is in his fourth season with the Zips, maintaining a 77-29 (.726) mark in that time. He is 185-99 (.651) in his tenth season as a collegiate head coach. He is 0-1 all-time versus UIC.

UIC Coach Jimmy Collins (New Mexico State ‘70):
Is in his 12th season on the sideline for the Flames and as a collegiate head coach, owning a 184-160 (.535) record in that time. He is 1-0 all-time versus Akron.

The Series:
Saturday marks the seventh all-time meeting between the two schools on the hardwood, with UIC owning a 4-2 edge in the series following an 86-80 decision in favor of the Flames last season in Chicago (Dec. 16, 2006). UIC and UA faced off for two seasons in the Mid-Continent Conference, splitting four meetings as league foes during the 1990-91 and 1991-92 seasons.

Up Next: Akron closes out the bulk of its non-league schedule on Jan. 2 at Dayton (10-1). Tip off is set for 7 p.m. EST. UD faces Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Akron Closes Out Homestand Versus UIC…
Riding a four-game win streak and having won 16-straight contests at home, the University of Akron men’s basketball team (9-2) plays host to UIC (8-4) on Saturday at 7 p.m. EST at Rhodes Arena.

Akron, which is enjoying its best 11-game start to a season since the 1998-99 edition of the Zips opened with an identical record, has been idle since a 79-59 home-court win over Youngstown State on Dec. 21.

UIC, looking to grow a five-game winning streak, last competed on Dec. 22 when it notched a home victory over Howard, 97-58.

Streaks, Storylines, Sidebars…
• UA’s 9-2 start is the program’s best record through the first 11 games of the season since the 1998-99 team opened with an identical mark. A win Saturday would be the program’s best start in its Division I era (began in 1980-81). The 1971-72 UA squad opened its season 17-2, en route to a 26-5 finish.

• Akron has won 16-straight games at Rhodes Arena – the sixth-longest streak of its kind in the nation. Fifth on the list is Tennessee (23).

• The Zips, 6-0 at home this season, have been victorious in 37 of their last 38 home contests – dating to last December’s 73-71 loss to top-25 ranked Nevada. UA is 46-2 at home under fourth-year coach Keith Dambrot.

• Akron is outscoring its opponents at home by an average of 22 points this season (UA averages 82.8 ppg and its opponents 60.8 ppg).

• The Zips have held eight of 11 opponents this season under 70 points, and have not allowed more than 72. UA has put up 71 or more points six times.

• In its last two games, Akron has outscored its opponents 95-57 in the first half, but is even with them at 72 points in the second period.

• UA is listed ninth in this week’s CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25, while UIC is receiving votes in the poll.

• Akron is facing its second-consecutive member of the Horizon League (Youngstown State on Dec. 21), and the Zips and Flames share a loss to the common opponent of Winthrop this season (UA lost 58-68 at Winthrop/Dec. 4, UIC lost 58-72 on a neutral court/Nov. 16).

• In its win over YSU, Cedrick Middleton led UA with 16 points off 4-of-5 shooting from the field, including a 4-of-4 showing from behind the 3-point arc. The Zips set season highs in both free throws made (35) and attempted (43), as the two teams combined for 59 personal fouls (30 for YSU).

• Middleton ranks third on the team in scoring (11.5 ppg), and is first in steals (21/1.9 spg). Last year’s MAC Sixth Man of the Year, he has been a starter in nine of 11 games (eight straight) this season.

• MAC Player-of-the-Year candidate and Preseason All-MAC selection Jeremiah Wood leads the Zips in scoring (13.7 ppg) and rebounding (9.6), and is second in assists (2.4 apg). He has four double-doubles to his credit this season and 16 in his career.

Nick Dials, UA’s second-leading scorer (12.6 ppg), leads the team in assists (3.5 apg) and is averaging a team-high 30 minutes-per-game as the starting point guard. He shares the point guard responsibilities with redshirt-freshman Steve McNees (6.2 ppg/2.3 apg/22 mpg).

Akron Game Notes pdf

UIC Game Notes pdf

(source: Akron Media Relations)

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MEN’S BASKETBALL TAKES FIVE-GAME WINNING STREAK TO AKRON…UIC Athletics

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ZIPS STAR DISCOVERS NEW WORLD AS INTERN AT ESPN

Cedrick Middleton spent some of his summer working as an intern at ESPN. Let’s hope he goes into the money end of the business. I know of which I speak.

The Akron Beacon Journal

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZipsWire-Wishing you a blue & gold Christmas!

December 25th, 2007
by Don Olson

FORMER ZIPS FIND CAREERS IN EUROPE

Not able to land a gig in the NBA, former Akron stars Romeo Travis and Dru Joyce are finding success across the pond in Europe. Travis is playing in Spain — Joyce in Germany. Although they get home sick, Travis and Joyce are happy to extend their basketball careers. The Beacon Journal has a profile.

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Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZipsWire-Mac Rhoades Weighs In

December 23rd, 2007
by Don Olson


RHOADES PAVING WAY

In a major article that starts on the front Sports page and jumps to an entire page inside, Beacon Journal columnist Patrick McManamon sits down with Akron Athletic Director Mac Rhoades for some Q & A.

In the article, Rhoades describes what he thinks are his accomplishments after two years on the job, how important the football program is to the success of the Athletic Department and what he wants to do in the future.

I’m especially pleased that he is looking for a solution to the JAR. The article states that he’s looking to either renovate or build a new arena. I’m not for renovation, but at least he’s not satisfied with the status quo.

Rhoades also states that his biggest accomplishment is getting the on-campus football stadium project underway.

A must read for any Zip fan.

(photo: Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal)

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EXCELLENCE IN ACTION
Kent State purchased a full-page advertisement in today’s Beacon Journal sports section, congratulating their three Pro Bowlers, Cleveland’s Josh Cribbs, San Diego’s Antonio Gates and Pittsburgh’s James Harrison.

Having three pro bowlers from any one MAC school is a great accomplishment.

But for this Zips fan, I’m glad to see that they put their “Excellence in Action” after graduating! After all, it is Kent State.

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BITCHING ABOUT THE ZIPS’ SCHEDULE

Don’t you get tired of hearing people complain about the Zips’ basketball schedule? Yes, the out of conference games are not the best. However, coach Keith Dambrot has a plan. It may not make sense to a lot of people right now, but for me, I’m going to let him do his thing.

In the meantime, we’re going to have to put up with the complaining from other MAC fans about how weak the OOC schedule is for the Zips.

I’m going to opine on this at a later date.

NOT A GOOD NIGHT FOR THE MAC

Miami gets killed by number 3 ranked Kansas — Iona beats Western Michigan — Central loses to Cleveland State.

Buffalo is the only MAC team to win an OOC game. Let’s hear more complaining about Akron’s schedule!

Saturday night MAC results

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZipsWire-Akron rips Youngstown

December 22nd, 2007
by Don Olson

AKRON EXTENDS HOME WINNING STREAK

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Cedrick Middleton scored 11 of his 16 points in the first half and Akron jumped out to a 20-point halftime lead en route to beating Youngstown State 79-59 Friday night.Nate Linhart scored 14 points and Jeremiah Wood added 12 as the Zips (9-2) won their 16th straight game at home.

Middleton made all four of his 3-point attempts and Linhart was 3-for-4 beyond the arc for Akron.Akron made just one more basket than the Penguins (3-7), but the Zips made five more 3-pointers and outscored Youngstown State 35-22 from the foul line.Jack Liles led Youngstown State with 16 points. Byron Davis scored 14 and John Barber added 12.

ZIPS HOLD OFF YSU RALLY…The Akron Beacon Journal

ZIPS START FAST, WIN 4TH IN A ROW…The Plain Dealer

YSU LOSES TO AKRON…The Youngstown Vindicator

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OOPS!

ZipsWire reads a tremendous amount of material about our favorite team. Once in a while, we see some pretty funny stuff. Take this article for instance. Not only is it amazing that International Herald-Tribune finds the Akron-Youngstown State game worthy enough to report — but you have to check out the headline to the article:

MIDDLETON LEADS AKRON TO 79-59 VICTORY OVER AKRONI kid you not.

For the great unwashed, the International Herald-Tribune is based in Paris, France, and is owned by The New York Times.

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OOPS AGAIN!

Anyone listening to the advice of Covers.com, a sports betting Web site, on the YSU-Akron game, has a little less coin in their pocket today. The Web site advised bettors to take Youngstown and the 16 1/2 points. The Web site stated:

Youngstown State has never beaten the Zips. However, the Penguins should keep it close tonight against an Akron team that has won 15 straight in Ohio.

Well, I’m not sure about the Zips winning 15 straight games in Ohio (who cares anyway) but I know Youngstown has beaten the Zips before. In fact, the Penguins have beaten the Zips 31 times. Does anyone really take the advice of this loser Web site?

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GoZips.com

Youngstown State Athletics

Box Score

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AKRON LOOKING FOR MORE WINS TO AVOID YET ANOTHER POST-SEASON SNUB

ESPN has an article by Kyle Welliston on the Zips’s scheduling struggles and the effort to grow the Akron basketball program.

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OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE TO USE COURTSIDE REPLAY

The Ohio Valley Conference announced Friday it will make courtside replay available during all men’s basketball games played in conference venues starting in January….The Plain Dealer

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CAN LIGHTENING STRIKE TWICE?

Miami is coming off an impressive road win at Illinois, but tonight, the competition will be a bit stiffer as they play number 3-ranked and undefeated (12-0) Kansas.

Preview

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MOTOR CITY BOWL PREVIEW

MACReportonline previews the Motor City Bowl match up between MAC Champion Central Michigan and Purdue.

The game is scheduled for Wednesday, December 26 with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

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CARDINALS AREN’T RESTING ON THEIR LAURELS HEADING INTO BOWL

The Fort Wayne News-Sentinel reports Ball State has a lot of work to do before it takes on Rutgers in the International Bowl on January 5.

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZipsWire-Zips prepare for Youngstown

December 21st, 2007
by Don Olson

YOUNGSTOWN LIMPS INTO THE JAR

A 3-6 Penguin team arrives at the JAR tonight with the Zips (8-2) hoping to hand them their fifth straight loss. Akron is a 16 1/2 point favorite — the over/under is 110.

This is the 85th time Akron and YSU have met on the hardwood. Akron leads the series 53-31 and have won 16 of the last 18 games.

The Zips have won their last 15 games at the JAR and are 45-2 at home under coach Keith Dambrot.

Youngstown State at Akron game notes

Game notes from YSU Athletics

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OFFICIALS’ MISTAKE HELPS UTES

Refs from the MAC have done it again. It appears they blew a call in the final minutes of the Poinsettia Bowl to hurt Navy and help Utah.

San Diego Union-Tribune

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CONGRATULATIONS MIAMI!

The Red(skins)Hawks downed Illinois of the Big Ten(11) 61-58 in overtime. The Western Star

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZipsWire-Akron rolls over A&T

December 20th, 2007
by Don Olson

ZIPS OPEN HOMESTAND WITH WIN

AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men’s basketball team took advantage of an early 11-3 run and never looked back, tallying its third-straight victory and seventh win in eight games by defeating North Carolina A&T 88-70 on Wednesday at Rhodes Arena.

Three Akron (8-2) players reached double figures, led by Nick Dials (21). Dials posted a season high in points, leading all scorers, and came three shy of a career-best effort. He finished 5-of-8 from 3-point range (6-of-10 from the field), recording four of the team’s eight 3-pointers in the first half en route to a 49-31 UA lead at the break. For the game, Akron connected on 41.9 percent (13-of-31) of its shots from long distance, with both the 3-pointers made and attempted being season highs. The Zips went 28-of-61 (45.9 percent) from the floor on the night.

Akron’s other double-digit point efforts came from Quade Milum (14) and Nate Linhart (10).

UA out-rebounded NC A&T (5-6) 36-27 as Jeremiah Wood totaled a season- and game-high 15 boards. The Zips forced 18 turnovers and scored 21 points off those miscues, owning a 22-point lead twice in the final 1:21 of the contest.

Steven Rush led North Carolina A&T with 18 points. For the game, the Aggies were 52.0 percent (26-of-50) shooting from the field and 42.9 percent (6-of-14) from beyond the arc.

Akron raced out to a 32-16 lead with 7:17 remaining before halftime. Both teams remained scoreless for the first 2:12 of action, with the visitors staying off the scoreboard for nearly five minutes. NC A&T closed the gap to 16-12, but a subsequent 16-4 run over the next 4:27 by the Zips proved to be too much to overcome.

The Zips opened a three-game homestand in impressive fashion, extending their win streak at home to 15-straight games - the sixth-longest streak of its kind in the nation. Overall, UA has triumphed in 36 of their last 37 games at Rhodes Arena and are 45-2 at home under fourth-year head coach Keith Dambrot.

Akron returns to action Friday when it plays host to Youngstown State. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST and follows the UA women’s game, who also face off against YSU. The women’s game is scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m.

(Source: Akron Media Relations)

ZIPS FIRE BARRAGE OF THREE POINTERS…The Akron Beacon Journal

DIALS’ 3-POINT SHOOTING HELPS ZIPS SCORCH AGGIESThe Plain Dealer

AGGIES CAN’T STOP ZIPS WIN STREAK…News-Record (Greensboro, NC)

DIALS LEADS ZIPS PAST AGGIES…Associated Press

Box Score

Post-Game Quotes

Post-Game Notes

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZipsWire-Akron activates reinforcements

December 18th, 2007
by Don Olson

MC KNIGHT, ROBERTS JOINS BASKETBALL TEAM

AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron men’s basketball team added 6-foot-6 freshman forward Brett McKnight to its roster and learned that 5-foot-11 sophomore guard Darryl Roberts is eligible for competition, head coach Keith Dambrot announced on Tuesday.

McKnight (Lancaster, Ohio/Lancaster HS) signed with the Zips last November and has been on campus since late August, but was unable to participate in team functions due to an issue with the NCAA Clearinghouse. The resolution of that issue, combined with the conclusion of the fall semester last week, make him eligible for the remainder of the season. He is also the brother of current UA sophomore forward Chris McKnight.

Roberts (Toledo, Ohio/St. Francis DeSales HS), who signed with UA in November 2005, sat out last season and the fall semester to concentrate on academics, and with grades now reported, he is eligible for the rest of the 2007-08 campaign. Roberts has been listed on UA’s official roster since August, but was not permitted to compete or workout with the program.

“We are excited to have Brett and Darryl with us,” Dambrot said. “Brett’s situation was very frustrating for all parties involved, and Darryl has worked extremely hard in the classroom over the last year and a half to get himself eligible. I’m proud of how each player handled themselves and took care of business.”

Both players joined the team for a late-night shoot-around on Monday, and participated in a two and one half hour practice session on Tuesday morning on campus. Dambrot anticipates playing both in Wednesday’s game against North Carolina A&T, which tips off at 7 p.m. EST at UA’s Rhodes Arena.

“I have never been in a situation where we have added two players at the semester break,” Dambrot said. “But we are going to work hard to get them up to speed as quickly as possible. It’s kind of like adding two rookies to an NBA team midway through the year – 10 games into the season our dynamic will change and I will have to experiment with different combinations.

“I don’t know how much either will be capable of immediately, having not practiced with us until yesterday,” Dambrot said. “But I’m hopeful they will have a full understanding of our system, and that I will know where they fit into our rotation, in time for the conference opener (Jan. 5 versus Miami [Ohio]). Both players have been working hard individually over the last few months.”

Also on Tuesday, Dambrot announced that an official decision has been made for freshman center Steve Swiech (Pittsburgh, Pa./Elizabeth Forward HS) and freshman guard Eric Coblentz (Uniontown, Ohio/Lake HS) to utilize their redshirt season in 2007-08. Swiech is on scholarship, while Coblentz is a walk on.

(Source: Akron Media Relations)

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DASHBOARD PLUGGED BACK IN

UofAZips.com has reactivated a very popular number — The Zips Dashboard. Find out where Akron is rated in various polls and how they rate in various key statistical areas. It has a very whiz-bang look to it. Check it out.

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MISSOURI KILLS NORTH CAROLINA A & T

Wednesday night, the Zips take on the Aggies of North Carolina A & T, who is coming off a 94-66 thumping at the hands of the Missouri Tigers Monday night.

From reading the game write up, it seems that the Aggies have problems in the paint as Missouri dominated the low post. NC A&T is now 5-5 on the season.

NC A&T-Missouri Box Score

HAVEN’T GOT TIME FOR THE PAIN…Columbia (MO) Tribune

(photo: Parker Eshelman, Columbia Tribune)

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OSU ROMPS ON CSU AT THE Q!

Twelve thousand seven hundred fifteen fans turned up at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland to witness Ohio State outclass the CSU Vikings of the Horizon League 80-63.

Associated Press write up via ESPN.com

OSU-CSU Box Score 

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Western Michigan downs Southern Illinois in low-scoring affair…ESPN.com

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In other MAC action Tuesday night, Miami actually had to come from behind to beat Chicago State of the Mid-Continent Conference 74-68.

Miami Athletics 

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZipsWire-Akron holds steady in Mid-Major Poll

December 17th, 2007
by Don Olson

ZIPS REMAIN AT #11

For the second consecutive week, the Akron Zips are ranked at #11 in the Mid-Major top 25. Other MAC mentions include Kent State, which rises from #17 to #15. Ohio U and Miami fall under the “others receiving votes” category.

SAGARIN RATINGS

The Mid-Major poll may show the Zips some respect, however, the Sagarin Ratings is another story. Miami, Kent, OU and Central Michigan all rate over Akron, which is ranked #106. What is really telling is the fact that Akron’s schedule is ranked at # 311 in Division I. The MAC is ranked #11 out of 32 conferences.

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LINHART EARNS MAC EAST PLAYER OF THE WEEK

CLEVELAND - University of Akron junior forward Nate Linhart (Gahanna, Ohio/Gahanna Lincoln HS) was named Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday. This is the first time Linhart has earned the award, and he is the second Zips men’s basketball player to receive the honor this season (Cedrick Middleton on Dec. 3).

Linhart scored a season-high 14 points, all in the second period, to key Akron’s 64-55 win at Austin Peay on Saturday. In the starting lineup for the Zips for the third time this season, Linhart went 4-of-6 from the field, including a 3-of-5 performance from behind the 3-point line. He also converted 3-of-4 attempts from the foul line, and had five rebounds, one assist and one steal in a season-high 29 minutes.

Akron, which has won six of its last seven games, begins its second three-game homestand of the season on Wednesday when it plays host to North Carolina A&T. Youngstown State visits the Zips on Dec. 21 and UIC on Dec. 29. The Zips have won 14-straight games at Rhodes Arena, which ties as the sixth-longest streak of its kind in the nation (Mississippi). UA, 4-0 at home this year, has been victorious in 35 of its last 36 home contests, dating to last December’s loss to top-25 ranked Nevada.

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

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NORTH CAROLINA A & T

The Zips next opponent is North Carolina A&T out of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Wednesday at the JAR. Tipoff at 7 p.m. The Aggies are 5-4 on the year, getting blown out by Pitt and Tennessee while losing to other DI schools such as St. Louis and MEAC foe Norfolk State. Not a very impressive showing. Tonight, the Aggies are in Columbia, MO to take on Mizzou.

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Contact Don Olson at:  donolson160@yahoo.com

ZipsWire-Akron 64, Austin Peay 55

December 16th, 2007
by Don Olson

ZIPS WIN BRACKET-BUSTER REMATCH

Let’s go Pee, Let’s go pee!

The Akron Zips goes into Ohio Valley Conference territory once again to pull out a much-needed victory in Clarksville, TN.

Down 29-27 at the half, it had all the makings of a choke job on the road. However, the Zips did exactly what they needed to do, and went on an 11-4 run to open the second half.

Nate Linhart led the Zips with 14 points, going 4-6 from the field. Akron continues to struggle at the free-throw line, making only 9-15 from the foul line. Some may consider that an improvement…this reporter does not. When the game is on the line, it always comes down to free throws. We learned this all too well in the MAC championship game last season.

The Zips’ record improves to 7-2. The Governors drop to 4-6.

Box Score

ZIPS RULE OVER GOVERNORS FOR SEVENTH WIN…Akron Beacon Journal

GOVS LOSE TO AKRON…The Leaf-Chronicle (Clarksville, TN)

AKRON’S CONTROL OF POST LINGERS IN AUSTIN PEAY’S MEMORY OF 2006 GAME…The Leaf-Chronicle

LINHART LEADS AKRON IN WIN OVER AUSTIN PEAY…The Plain Dealer

SECOND-HALF SURGE HELPS AKRON TOP PEAY…The Tennessean

GoZips.com

UofAZips.com

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VOTE FOR ZIPPY

After all this time (it seems like years) the final, final weekend of voting for Zippy is here. Zippy is up against U of Minnesota’s Goldy Golpher. It would be a shame to go undefeated throughout this whole thing and not see Zippy through to the final victory. Only problem is that we won’t know the winner until the Capitalone Bowl on January 1 when Michigan plays Florida.

The UA Athletic Department has a nice promotion going. You can obtain two free tickets to an upcoming UA basketball game by voting for Zippy. Register by clicking here.

Vote for Zippy here

Akron’s win over Austin Peay and Central Michigan’s quality win at Michigan highlight MAC efforts on Saturday. The rest of the MAC lost, and in some cases, got killed, by their out of conference opponents.

CMU’S DEFENSE HOLDS MICHIGAN TO ZERO THREE-POINT ATTEMPTS IN FIRST HALF…LEADS CHIPS TO WINDetroit Free-Press

WATSON SCORES 22 TO LEAD CENTRAL MICHIGAN PAST MICHIGAN…Pantagraph (Bloomington, IL)

Saturday’s MAC Men’s Basketball Results

WORTH REPORTING…

Mount Union does NOT win the D-III national championship, losing 31-21 to Wisconsin Whitewater. The Beacon Journal

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com