- Apr 10, 2015
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Postseason: 13-13 (-2.1)
Been sputtering through the conf tourneys, not getting hurt but sure as Hell not making any cheese.
These games are played in Cleveland at the Q Thursday. If there is an advantage to this for any teams, it is Akron. as the drive up is about 40 minutes away. The 12 PM start though may negate this advantage. IMO, their game with Eastern Mich is the toughest of the three to get a read on.
On paper, E Mich matches up well. They have size and talent. Their freshman big, James Thompson IV is already one of the premier bigs in the conference. Thompson IV and "Big Dog" Johnson should be a fun matchup to watch in the paint. This is one game that the loss of Akron's other big, Forsythe could be a large factor. I'm sure that Eastern will go inside a lot to attempt to get Johnson in foul trouble because behind him now is only Cheatham who is a stretch 4 and prefers to play away from the paint.
Eastern's has some talent in the backcourt as well. Raven Lee, 6'7" Bond and Magnum can be a handful for the shorter Akron guards to contain.When E Mich's guards are shooting it well or getting to the paint they are very dangerous. It should be noted that Akron has had a big problem with opposing guards slashing to the hole all season. This line isn't relatively short for a 1/8 matchup without its reasons.
Eastern almost exclusively plays a zone defense. This is all well and good except that the Zips are loaded with guys that can shoot over the top of it. I've seen Eastern several times this season and their zone is a bit soft and there are cracks in it. If Akron is able to get the ball to the block it will open up the inside/out game as Johnson is a terrific passer for a center. Akron is as good as their 3 point shooting. When on they are horribly difficult to defend, when not shooting it so well they can be had.
The prevailing factor in this contest may not have anything to do with individual talent though.IMO Akron enjoys a very significant edge in coaching and poise. Eastern lacks a lot of "high character " kids. They sulk when things get hairy and find it difficult to bounce back. They have lost their composure on several occasions this season to the point that it has to be brought into consideration. Akron has the opposite of that. For the most they are a very heady group of good kids.
I'm watching the lines for now on this one. I'm in no hurry to give a dangerous team 6 points. This is a very difficult call for me with an upset very possible
Have already or will later play the other 3 games.
Central Mich -6 (5)
CMU has largely underachieved this year. Very talented backcourt. On paper, this is a mismatch. BG beat Kent to get here but Kent has been a crippled team since Pollard went down. I don't care if the line goes up, down or remains static. I'm comfortable with the -6
Ohio -2 (2)
Check status of NIU's big Maric (ankle) I'm told that they are going to try to get him out there but the guy was still in a boot Monday. If he doesn't go, this play gets a significant upgrade. If he does go, I doubt that he's ready for his best. NIU was very poor on the road this year.
Miami Oh +5'
Finished the last week or 2 as the hottest team in the league. Don't know what it was but suddenly things started clicking for them. McNight and Washington a solid guard combination. Think the line may hit 6 or better, I'm holding out for a little more but regardless will be on Miami here, just a matter of how much.
Been sputtering through the conf tourneys, not getting hurt but sure as Hell not making any cheese.
These games are played in Cleveland at the Q Thursday. If there is an advantage to this for any teams, it is Akron. as the drive up is about 40 minutes away. The 12 PM start though may negate this advantage. IMO, their game with Eastern Mich is the toughest of the three to get a read on.
On paper, E Mich matches up well. They have size and talent. Their freshman big, James Thompson IV is already one of the premier bigs in the conference. Thompson IV and "Big Dog" Johnson should be a fun matchup to watch in the paint. This is one game that the loss of Akron's other big, Forsythe could be a large factor. I'm sure that Eastern will go inside a lot to attempt to get Johnson in foul trouble because behind him now is only Cheatham who is a stretch 4 and prefers to play away from the paint.
Eastern's has some talent in the backcourt as well. Raven Lee, 6'7" Bond and Magnum can be a handful for the shorter Akron guards to contain.When E Mich's guards are shooting it well or getting to the paint they are very dangerous. It should be noted that Akron has had a big problem with opposing guards slashing to the hole all season. This line isn't relatively short for a 1/8 matchup without its reasons.
Eastern almost exclusively plays a zone defense. This is all well and good except that the Zips are loaded with guys that can shoot over the top of it. I've seen Eastern several times this season and their zone is a bit soft and there are cracks in it. If Akron is able to get the ball to the block it will open up the inside/out game as Johnson is a terrific passer for a center. Akron is as good as their 3 point shooting. When on they are horribly difficult to defend, when not shooting it so well they can be had.
The prevailing factor in this contest may not have anything to do with individual talent though.IMO Akron enjoys a very significant edge in coaching and poise. Eastern lacks a lot of "high character " kids. They sulk when things get hairy and find it difficult to bounce back. They have lost their composure on several occasions this season to the point that it has to be brought into consideration. Akron has the opposite of that. For the most they are a very heady group of good kids.
I'm watching the lines for now on this one. I'm in no hurry to give a dangerous team 6 points. This is a very difficult call for me with an upset very possible
Have already or will later play the other 3 games.
Central Mich -6 (5)
CMU has largely underachieved this year. Very talented backcourt. On paper, this is a mismatch. BG beat Kent to get here but Kent has been a crippled team since Pollard went down. I don't care if the line goes up, down or remains static. I'm comfortable with the -6
Ohio -2 (2)
Check status of NIU's big Maric (ankle) I'm told that they are going to try to get him out there but the guy was still in a boot Monday. If he doesn't go, this play gets a significant upgrade. If he does go, I doubt that he's ready for his best. NIU was very poor on the road this year.
Miami Oh +5'
Finished the last week or 2 as the hottest team in the league. Don't know what it was but suddenly things started clicking for them. McNight and Washington a solid guard combination. Think the line may hit 6 or better, I'm holding out for a little more but regardless will be on Miami here, just a matter of how much.
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