MAC Opener: Miami (6-6) at Akron (10-3)
The college basketball season can be divided into 3 parts: non-conference, conference play, postseason. It's time to start the 2nd part of the season and for rivals to start beating up on one another. This is when we find out who's good and who's not because there's no hiding in conference play. There are no secrets in conference play, everyone knows everyone, there's no sneaking up on anybody. You can't just show up and win. Every night, you must outexecute your opponent in order to win.
The Redhawks open at the JAR against the defending East division champs. Akron is 10-3 after losing a double overtime heartbreaker at UD Arena last night. Once again, Akron's non-conference schedule was weak. Among the notable teams they played besides losing at UD, Akron beat Temple at home and lost at Winthrop. Akron's other loss came up in Fairbanks at the Top of the World classic to Portland St. Coach Keith Dambrot has a team capable of winning the MAC despite losing arguably his best 2 players from a year ago.
Projected Starters:
G Nick Dials, 6'1 Sr. 13 pts, 4 ass. 39% FG, 40% 3PFG, 89% FT. Primarily playing the point with Dru Joyce gone, his shooting numbers are down a little bit, but still can't be left open. Has deep range so you have to be aware of him from 25 feet on in.
G Cedric Middleton, 6' Sr. 11 pts, 3 reb. 42% FG, 42% 3PFG, 80% FT. All-around threat, can dribble drive, pull up or hit the 3. Of note, his foul shooting numbers are up.
F Chris McKnight, 6'7 So. 5 pts. 41% FG, 73% FT. Still finding his way among Akron's experience. Does his damage around the basket.
F Nate Linhart, 6'7 Jr. 7 pts, 4 reb. 45% FG, 37% 3PFG, 65% FT. Have to find him off pick and rolls floating to the wing or corner for perimeter jump shots. Good passer from the high post down low. Can guard multiple positions defensively, where he's really improved over his career.
F Jeremiah Wood, 6'6 Sr. 15 pts, 9 reb. 53% FG, 55% FT. Akron's go-to player in the 2nd half, he is a load on the block. He's going to get his points and rebounds, you just can't let him dominate the game. You have to try and push him off the block as much as possible. Defensively, he tends to tire, hurting his defensive positioning and footwork.
Off the Bench:
F Quade Milum, 6'7 Sr. 9 pts, 4 reb. 54% FG, 33% 3PFG, 50% FT. Still at his best on the offensive glass and running the floor in transition. Has improved his jump shot enough that you have to respect it when defending him. Possess great length and shot-blocking ability.
G Steve McNees, 6'2 Fr. 7 pts. 35% FG, 33% 3PFG, 69% FT. Hit some big 3s down the stretch at UD last night. Have to make him put it on the floor, can't let him catch and shoot.
F Jimmy Conyers, 6'5 Jr. 5 pts. 45% FG, 33% 3PFG, 72% FT. Lefty who likes to hang around the perimeter. Will take it to the basket if given a step.
Offensively, Akron usually likes to push the ball. They do a great job of advancing the ball via the pass, giving them great opportunities in transition. But against us, they'll willingly play at our pace, slowing the game down. If they can't score quickly, Akron likes to reverse the ball and bring their big guys out to set screens for their shooters. It won't always be pick and roll, but when it is, you have to be aware of Linhart who can hit the deep ball. If the perimeter option isn't available, they'll look to dump the ball into Wood and play off him. Wood especially likes to drop step middle and score that way. Dials is a good guard, but he's not very quick and can be stopped on the drive, so dribble penetration shouldn't be a problem. The only instance where dribble penetration could be a problem is on a Wood kickout, making the defense scramble, or on a Middleton drive, but he's usually looking to score when he drives, not pass.
Defensively, Akron ranks barely in the top third of Division 1, not too impressive considering who they've played. They'll play strictly man-to-man and hedge hard after pick and rolls. But their defensive rotations can be slow and their help-side defense is susceptible. Opposing teams shoot 45% from the floor against Akron, so good shots can be had. Wood can tire in the post and Dials certainly isn't noted for his defense.
This will probably be another down to the wire game. TPo and Bramos played well vs. Akron last year, I expect the same this year at least without Travis and Joyce to contend with. In Akron's 3 losses, their guards didn't play well. Wood has been consistent, but if we can shut down Dials and Middleton from the perimeter, we'll be in good shape. But Akron is tough at home and fairly efficient offensively, so we're going to have to play good defense and make every possession count. Another player who I think will play well, Eric Pollitz. He played well vs. Akron last year off the bench.
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