Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: Official Game 20 Thread: Akron
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Ted Thompson
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Posted: 1/22/2020 3:16 PM

Use this thread to talk about anything game-related. 

Date: January 25th, 2020 3:30 PM

Opponent: Akron  (15-4, 5-1 MAC)

Site: Convocation Center

TV: None

Radio: Ohio Radio or TuneIn Radio

Webcast: ESPN3

Akron statistics and roster

Akron Fan Site: ZipsNation.org

100%Cat
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Posted: 1/22/2020 3:47 PM
Let's beat them Saturday and watch their message board melt down.
GoCats105
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Posted: 1/23/2020 4:50 PM
Couple of things:

Akron is ranked #58 in KenPom's overall rankings, and 44th in Adjusted O. Adjusted D is a respectable 89th, but their Opponents adjusted O is 296th.

They played both WVU and Louisville pretty tough, but then squeaked by Tulane and lost to Liberty.

To me it comes down to stopping dribble penetration. If Ohio lets Jackson get deep Akron is gonna score somehow. He's 6th in the league in FT attempts and makes 85% of those. He also shoots over 40% from three. Banks is also shooting over 40% from three, but Williams and Cheese are the other top scorers.

I don't think we're talented enough on the edges to get up in their grills and shut them down defensively, so it will have to be a mix of zone and man. Maybe even some of that half court trap used late in the last game which seemed to work pretty well. Really, really, really need Jordan, BRod, BVP and Lunden to be on their games from deep.
The Optimist
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Posted: 1/23/2020 6:02 PM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
Couple of things:

Akron is ranked #58 in KenPom's overall rankings, and 44th in Adjusted O. Adjusted D is a respectable 89th, but their Opponents adjusted O is 296th.

They played both WVU and Louisville pretty tough, but then squeaked by Tulane and lost to Liberty.

To me it comes down to stopping dribble penetration. If Ohio lets Jackson get deep Akron is gonna score somehow. He's 6th in the league in FT attempts and makes 85% of those. He also shoots over 40% from three. Banks is also shooting over 40% from three, but Williams and Cheese are the other top scorers.

I don't think we're talented enough on the edges to get up in their grills and shut them down defensively, so it will have to be a mix of zone and man. Maybe even some of that half court trap used late in the last game which seemed to work pretty well. Really, really, really need Jordan, BRod, BVP and Lunden to be on their games from deep.
Feels like Dartis is due for a big game from 3... Could definitely use it Saturday. A small positive from Toledo was seeing Roderick not down 3 from deep. Would be very big if he gets up to 25 minutes to night for us and is hitting a couple 3's a game.
Diamond Cat
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Posted: 1/23/2020 6:56 PM
I have given the program a "hall pass" for 2019-2020. It doesn't mean I am not bummed when we lose. However, the Saul era kind of conditioned me to accept it better.

We need a Justin Turner or Merreon Jackson. They are like bullpen closers. I'm not down on BVP at all. Dude is strong. I'm talking DJ Cooper - Nick Kellog backcourt closers.

Dartis would have been that had it not been for the injuries. It is tougher for him to get loose for a shot. Preston brings the energy and I love his game. However, we need a Turner or Jackson.

Let's go Cats and send Groce back to cr-Akron with an L.
Bobcat1998
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Posted: 1/24/2020 8:32 AM
Diamond Cat wrote:expand_more
I have given the program a "hall pass" for 2019-2020. It doesn't mean I am not bummed when we lose. However, the Saul era kind of conditioned me to accept it better.

We need a Justin Turner or Merreon Jackson. They are like bullpen closers. I'm not down on BVP at all. Dude is strong. I'm talking DJ Cooper - Nick Kellog backcourt closers.

Dartis would have been that had it not been for the injuries. It is tougher for him to get loose for a shot. Preston brings the energy and I love his game. However, we need a Turner or Jackson.

Let's go Cats and send Groce back to cr-Akron with an L.
I completely agree with this. While BVP, Darty and Preston have definitely been even better than a year ago we do not have that Jackson, Turner or Eugene German type of guy who can hit a fadeaway 3, drive to the hoop or absolutely take over a game. Preston can't get his own 3pointer off against a defender, BVP is bullish but not athletic and Darty is just slowed by injury. I had hoped Miles Brown would be kind of that guy but he seems tense and scared which is normal for a guy who only has played a few games. In all honesty, I want to see McDay get the keys to the car for a game. I don't know if Boals has told him to hold back but I saw Lunden in high school a few times in person and he always came across as a guy who was controlled and could take over a game. So far he's been SOOO much better than advertised in the hustle and grit department but he hasn't taken over a game.

Long story short, I am in agreement that while Jaaron could take over a game, we haven't had anyone with that "it" factor in a while. Would be nice to have that maybe with a grad transfer for a really, really good JUCO next year (or both!!). Great post!
Deciduous Forest Cat
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Posted: 1/24/2020 6:15 PM
I can't use my 4 tickets tomorrow. If anyone wants them, please PM me. 205, C, 3-6
LuckySparrow
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Posted: 1/25/2020 11:04 AM
Under 10 replies to an Akron game thread on a Saturday. Wow.
UpSan Bobcat
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Posted: 1/25/2020 11:27 AM
It might take a really off shooting game to beat Akron. The Zips make on average 10 per game, tops in the MAC, and they shoot it at 39.3%, 11th-best in the nation. Banks, Williams, Cheese and Jackson all shoot and make a lot of them. The rest of the roster doesn't shoot much (six combined makes).
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 1/25/2020 11:29 AM
Akron has 17 players listed on their roster. Eight of them transfers.
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 1/25/2020 11:33 AM
They hold opponents to 39% FG shooting.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 1/25/2020 11:40 AM
Wonder what both coaches would tell you about the non-tradtional warmup time for this game since it's the back half of a double header.
The Optimist
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Posted: 1/25/2020 12:24 PM
Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
Wonder what both coaches would tell you about the non-tradtional warmup time for this game since it's the back half of a double header.
I would think that benefits the home team? More familiar with court.
The Better Ohio Bobcat
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Posted: 1/25/2020 12:30 PM
I would love to beat John Groce and I hate to say it but I can’t see us winning this game. I hope they prove me wrong but Akron is a very good team and we are going to struggle to score on these guys.
FearLeon
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Posted: 1/25/2020 4:11 PM
People get mad when it's noted this team does have much athleticism, but it's really exposed today. Just look at our front court against Akron. Not even close. Hopefully, 2-3 guys hit the portal after this year and it gives Boals some more flexibility to bring in some additional talent down low. Hard to watch guys 6-8 taller miss 2 footers. Not sure how many wins we'll see the rest of the way.
Last Edited: 1/25/2020 4:12:18 PM by FearLeon
Bobcat1998
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Posted: 1/25/2020 4:18 PM
FearLeon wrote:expand_more
People get mad when it's noted this team does have much athleticism, but it's really exposed today. Just look at our front court against Akron. Not even close. Hopefully, 2-3 guys hit the portal after this year and it gives Boals some more flexibility to bring in some additional talent down low. Hard to watch guys 6-8 taller miss 2 footers. Not sure how many wins we'll see the rest of the way.
What good is Springs if he only shoots 3s? And Boals had a bunch of schollies and brought in zero guys I would classify as athletic offensively or defensively. We do not even have a Jon Smith or heck, I would like a TyQuan Goard!!! :)
MonroeClassmate
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Posted: 1/25/2020 4:22 PM
Jeff McKinney wrote:expand_more
They hold opponents to 39% FG shooting.
OHIO with few weapons on offense but there should be little reason why they can’t play defense like the Zips or better than most teams.

Stop the penetration and lose by 60 from the three but don’t be giving up drives and +1’s like at the end of the half.
shabamon
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Posted: 1/25/2020 4:52 PM
No matter how this one ends, credit for getting up off the mat.
MonroeClassmate
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Posted: 1/25/2020 5:20 PM
Who was guarding the hotshot Zip Jackson?
FearLeon
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Posted: 1/25/2020 5:21 PM
I hope moving forward that Boals has learned from these last two games that he's just going to have to keep BVP in the game in the first half if he gets into foul trouble. Team doesn't have enough talent behind BVP on the bench for him to be off the floor for 15 minutes in the first half.
FearLeon
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Posted: 1/25/2020 5:22 PM
MonroeClassmate wrote:expand_more
Who was guarding the hotshot Zip Jackson?
Short answer: nobody
shabamon
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Posted: 1/25/2020 5:22 PM
Tremendous second half effort, but for the second game in a row, we had no answer for a veteran lead guard. We need one of those and someone who can stop that type. I don't know who on our roster can develop into either. Eugene German will be another tough assignment.

I didn't like the ruling on the late Preston steal. Replay did not show he was out of bounds and you can even argue he was fouled on his three point heave.

Convo sounded more energized than it has in quite some time. There's hope.
Bobcat1998
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Posted: 1/25/2020 5:36 PM
shabamon wrote:expand_more
Tremendous second half effort, but for the second game in a row, we had no answer for a veteran lead guard. We need one of those and someone who can stop that type. I don't know who on our roster can develop into either. Eugene German will be another tough assignment.

I didn't like the ruling on the late Preston steal. Replay did not show he was out of bounds and you can even argue he was fouled on his three point heave.

Convo sounded more energized than it has in quite some time. There's hope.
Loved seeing Boals flapping his arms for the Convo crowd. Last replay went to the veteran coach. Boals will get that when we start winning. Positives: Miles shows more and more promise. Ogbonda is tearing up the rebounds. BVP is the best player in the MAC when he is in. McDay looked for his shot. Roderick getting comfortable. Loved his three point play. McMurray with valuable mins. Foster seems to be regressing.

Hey Bobcat fans..opinion on if we had Murrell? Great first game. Nothing before or since. Bannister said out another week. Should we Wingfield him (keep scholly but retire)? I do not want this but...
The Optimist
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Posted: 1/25/2020 5:48 PM
Good effort. Could not get stops when we needed them the last 10 minutes.

Arkley tweeted out stat sheet. Ogbonda +- was way ahead of everyone else
allen
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Posted: 1/25/2020 5:54 PM
Murrell and McMurray should join Saul next, we should replace them with a 6’7-6’8 guy that move, rebound and has a nice touch and we should add one wing and a pg. in three years Boals can have the same success that Groce is having.
Last Edited: 1/25/2020 6:55:02 PM by allen
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