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Topic: Official Game 27 Thread: Akron
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Ted Thompson
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Posted: 2/19/2025 8:49 PM

Use this thread to talk about anything game-related. For away games, we may have a separate travel thread.

Date: Saturday February 22nd, 2025 6:00 PM

Opponent: Akron  (21-5, 13-0 MAC)

Site: Convocation Center

TV/Streaming: ESPN2

Radio: Ohio Radio, The Varsity Network App (free)

Akron statistics and roster 

Akron message board:  ZipsNation.org

Follow Ohio Football recruiting on the BobcatAttack.com football recruiting database.

OUcat
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Posted: 2/19/2025 9:36 PM
You know what's weird about this Akron team - and I don't know if its a slam against them or the league - But:

Best I can tell vs. both MAC and non-con games, the Zips have yet to beat a team ranked above them in Kenpom or NCAA Net. I have to double-check the Kent game, but that might be the only one.

Yet they are steadily rising in both Net and Kenpom, inside the top 100 in both.

Strange that the metrics in both would reward them so highly - especially with the MAC overall ranked so low. If not Kent, I don't believe the Zips have played a game vs. a team ranked above them since non-con.

Last loss was to Princeton which was a Top 100 team when they played them but now 150-ish in both Kenpom and NCAA Net.

All this does not negate the fact they are clearly the best team in the league this season, hands down. Just curious they would rank so high in the metrics, considering ...
Oldwriter
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Posted: 2/19/2025 10:22 PM
What I do know is that the Zips shoot 3s or layups/dunks. Bobcats have to stop their downhill game. Akron isn't a big team so one of our weaknesses of defending in the lane hopefully won't show. You know, Akron has already won a game more to start the conference season than Fiami did when it went 12-0 as 57-58 champion. Let's stop the streak 'Cats!
randy
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Posted: 2/20/2025 8:22 AM
Don't get outrebounded by 15 and we might have a chance.
Urban Bobcat
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Posted: 2/20/2025 12:14 PM
I wouldn't say they are climbing too high in net ranking.

Akron is 92 net, which makes them a NIT bubble team.
URBAN BOBCAT
GoCats105
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Posted: 2/20/2025 12:54 PM
In true Groce fashion, they go deep into the bench with nine guys averaging more than 15 minutes per game. Ten if you count Josiah Harris who has been injured since early in the season. All of those guys average at least 5ppg, led by the Johnson & Johnson backcourt (hello NIL opportunity).

Team stats:

1st in MAC in offensive ppg
4th in MAC in defensive ppg
1st in scoring margin (by quite a bit)
2nd in 3pt shooting
1st in defensive 3pt shooting (not good for Ohio)
8th in total free throws (surprisingly don't get to the line that much, read into that what you will)
1st in rebounding, but 10th in opponent rebounding
8th in TO margin
1st in Assist/TO ratio
Last Edited: 2/20/2025 12:55:53 PM by GoCats105
OUcat
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Posted: 2/20/2025 1:43 PM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
In true Groce fashion, they go deep into the bench with nine guys averaging more than 15 minutes per game. Ten if you count Josiah Harris who has been injured since early in the season. All of those guys average at least 5ppg, led by the Johnson & Johnson backcourt (hello NIL opportunity).

Team stats:

1st in MAC in offensive ppg
4th in MAC in defensive ppg
1st in scoring margin (by quite a bit)
2nd in 3pt shooting
1st in defensive 3pt shooting (not good for Ohio)
8th in total free throws (surprisingly don't get to the line that much, read into that what you will)
1st in rebounding, but 10th in opponent rebounding
8th in TO margin
1st in Assist/TO ratio

Is there a link to MAC Stats ...
GoCats105
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Posted: 2/20/2025 1:44 PM
OUcat wrote:expand_more
In true Groce fashion, they go deep into the bench with nine guys averaging more than 15 minutes per game. Ten if you count Josiah Harris who has been injured since early in the season. All of those guys average at least 5ppg, led by the Johnson & Johnson backcourt (hello NIL opportunity).

Team stats:

1st in MAC in offensive ppg
4th in MAC in defensive ppg
1st in scoring margin (by quite a bit)
2nd in 3pt shooting
1st in defensive 3pt shooting (not good for Ohio)
8th in total free throws (surprisingly don't get to the line that much, read into that what you will)
1st in rebounding, but 10th in opponent rebounding
8th in TO margin
1st in Assist/TO ratio

Is there a link to MAC Stats ...
https://getsomemaction.com/stats.aspx?path=mbball&year=2024
M.D.W.S.T
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Posted: 2/21/2025 9:50 AM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
In true Groce fashion, they go deep into the bench with nine guys averaging more than 15 minutes per game. Ten if you count Josiah Harris who has been injured since early in the season. All of those guys average at least 5ppg, led by the Johnson & Johnson backcourt (hello NIL opportunity).

Team stats:

1st in MAC in offensive ppg
4th in MAC in defensive ppg
1st in scoring margin (by quite a bit)
2nd in 3pt shooting
1st in defensive 3pt shooting (not good for Ohio)
8th in total free throws (surprisingly don't get to the line that much, read into that what you will)
1st in rebounding, but 10th in opponent rebounding
8th in TO margin
1st in Assist/TO ratio
So you're tellin me theres a chance...

I think we win. Have always thought we split Akron. Throw out the stats on this one. Gonna be a battle.
Last Edited: 2/21/2025 12:24:17 PM by M.D.W.S.T
bobcatsquared
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Posted: 2/21/2025 10:02 AM
Who posted the following from the game thread of the first Akron game in January?

"We are beating this team (Akron) in Athens. Carve it in marble."



Then, who said this in a reply from same game thread?

"I'm with you on this!!!! Play poorly and stayed hanging around."
Last Edited: 2/21/2025 10:03:14 AM by bobcatsquared
Andrew Ruck
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Posted: 2/21/2025 10:16 AM
Anybody got 3 extra? I've got extra guests coming that can't fit in my regular 5.

Although my preference is you all get there. Game of the year for sure, hoping for a great crowd.
Andrew Ruck
B.B.A. 2003
GraffZ06
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Posted: 2/21/2025 11:14 AM
I dunno about game of the year. That should be reserved for Cleveland IMO. Would be a nice momentum game and help in us trying to get the 3 seed from Toledo for sure.

Torvik has it a 2 point loss 84-82.
Haslam has it a 4 point loss 84.5 to 80.5.

Going to take a great effort to pull this one off.

Looking back at this years team I think it's fair to say Hadaway was the energy guy.

But when it comes to the emotional leader, heart and soul of the team, it's the grad student trying to extend his playing career. Fighting back from a knee injury. This is Reefs team from here on out IMO.

AJC isn't "the man" and was never going to be "the man". It's just not him. We just need AJC to play like AJC rather than BRod 2.0.

AJB is the most talented player on the team. I'd love to see him BECOME "the man" and take his game to the next level.

I think we need 20+ from likely both AJB and Reef to win this game.

Pavs, keep making shots and please play some semblance of defense.

Searls get us some rebounds and easy buckets when you're in the game to hold your own.

E26, that would be Elijah Elliott #6, has stepped into the Hadaway energy role and just oozes potential. Dare I say he reminds me a bit of a freshman Mark Sears, limited in minutes initially but slowly coming into his own. If he gets us 8-12 pts and 4+ rebounds while playing active D were golden.

I still think, like the metrics, this is probably a loss. But give me the above and there's a path to winning this game and kick starting our March run.
Bobcat1998
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Posted: 2/21/2025 11:53 AM
GraffZ06 wrote:expand_more
I dunno about game of the year. That should be reserved for Cleveland IMO. Would be a nice momentum game and help in us trying to get the 3 seed from Toledo for sure.

Torvik has it a 2 point loss 84-82.
Haslam has it a 4 point loss 84.5 to 80.5.

Going to take a great effort to pull this one off.

Looking back at this years team I think it's fair to say Hadaway was the energy guy.

But when it comes to the emotional leader, heart and soul of the team, it's the grad student trying to extend his playing career. Fighting back from a knee injury. This is Reefs team from here on out IMO.

AJC isn't "the man" and was never going to be "the man". It's just not him. We just need AJC to play like AJC rather than BRod 2.0.

AJB is the most talented player on the team. I'd love to see him BECOME "the man" and take his game to the next level.

I think we need 20+ from likely both AJB and Reef to win this game.

Pavs, keep making shots and please play some semblance of defense.

Searls get us some rebounds and easy buckets when you're in the game to hold your own.

E26, that would be Elijah Elliott #6, has stepped into the Hadaway energy role and just oozes potential. Dare I say he reminds me a bit of a freshman Mark Sears, limited in minutes initially but slowly coming into his own. If he gets us 8-12 pts and 4+ rebounds while playing active D were golden.

I still think, like the metrics, this is probably a loss. But give me the above and there's a path to winning this game and kick starting our March run.
I love all of these but I would add two more things:

Before that, I love the Elliott to Sears but may I go a bit further back and say Elliott reminds me of a mix of when Laster and Ryan Taylor were freshmen and had to be pressed into playing time? I think Elliott can become what they became. Taylor was a high major player and Laster was a really solid player for us.

At Akron though..

Ajay--play annoyingly good defense on the Kron guards. Get in their grills, clap at them, play physical (he's actually built fairly strong for his size) and don't worry about shooting.

Elmore--this is your chance--show us some of the old timey Elmore. Play within yourself and be physical. Post up...dribble in and be tough. Play with confidence. Akron is a Northeastern Ohio Team and you're a Northeast Ohio dude! LFG!
spongeBOB CATpants
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Posted: 2/21/2025 1:30 PM
I'll be at this one, looks like we'll have a nice crowd based on the marketing emails I've gotten. Saying the lower bowl is sold out, which is a good sign. Let's make some shots early and get the crowd going from the tip.
gbur
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Posted: 2/21/2025 3:03 PM
Looking for 4 in the lower bowl. This will be the first time in the Convo since I graduated in 2014. Cannot wait to be back!!
Deciduous Forest Cat
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Posted: 2/21/2025 3:03 PM
spongeBOB CATpants wrote:expand_more
I'll be at this one, looks like we'll have a nice crowd based on the marketing emails I've gotten. Saying the lower bowl is sold out, which is a good sign. Let's make some shots early and get the crowd going from the tip.
it will be a nice crowd based on the lower standards for attendance. This is the type of game that should 8-10k on a Saturday, but will probably be 5-6.

I do see that the lower bowl is sold out (which is a good sign, but that's only 3k seats), but tons and tons of seats are still available above the concourse. Hopefully a good student and walkup turnout will boost it.

Either way, I hope it's loud.
I'm there, section 109. There will be cursing. Make noise, people.
Last Edited: 2/21/2025 3:08:58 PM by Deciduous Forest Cat
SBH
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Posted: 2/21/2025 3:11 PM
Bobcat1998 wrote:expand_more
I dunno about game of the year. That should be reserved for Cleveland IMO. Would be a nice momentum game and help in us trying to get the 3 seed from Toledo for sure.

Torvik has it a 2 point loss 84-82.
Haslam has it a 4 point loss 84.5 to 80.5.

Going to take a great effort to pull this one off.

Looking back at this years team I think it's fair to say Hadaway was the energy guy.

But when it comes to the emotional leader, heart and soul of the team, it's the grad student trying to extend his playing career. Fighting back from a knee injury. This is Reefs team from here on out IMO.

AJC isn't "the man" and was never going to be "the man". It's just not him. We just need AJC to play like AJC rather than BRod 2.0.

AJB is the most talented player on the team. I'd love to see him BECOME "the man" and take his game to the next level.

I think we need 20+ from likely both AJB and Reef to win this game.

Pavs, keep making shots and please play some semblance of defense.

Searls get us some rebounds and easy buckets when you're in the game to hold your own.

E26, that would be Elijah Elliott #6, has stepped into the Hadaway energy role and just oozes potential. Dare I say he reminds me a bit of a freshman Mark Sears, limited in minutes initially but slowly coming into his own. If he gets us 8-12 pts and 4+ rebounds while playing active D were golden.

I still think, like the metrics, this is probably a loss. But give me the above and there's a path to winning this game and kick starting our March run.
I love all of these but I would add two more things:

Before that, I love the Elliott to Sears but may I go a bit further back and say Elliott reminds me of a mix of when Laster and Ryan Taylor were freshmen and had to be pressed into playing time? I think Elliott can become what they became. Taylor was a high major player and Laster was a really solid player for us.

At Akron though..

Ajay--play annoyingly good defense on the Kron guards. Get in their grills, clap at them, play physical (he's actually built fairly strong for his size) and don't worry about shooting.

Elmore--this is your chance--show us some of the old timey Elmore. Play within yourself and be physical. Post up...dribble in and be tough. Play with confidence. Akron is a Northeastern Ohio Team and you're a Northeast Ohio dude! LFG!
Agree on Ryan Taylor but you are remembering a different Mike Laster than I do. He was athletic, yes, but never really contributed much unless I am mistaken.
Deciduous Forest Cat
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Posted: 2/21/2025 3:13 PM
SBH wrote:expand_more
I dunno about game of the year. That should be reserved for Cleveland IMO. Would be a nice momentum game and help in us trying to get the 3 seed from Toledo for sure.

Torvik has it a 2 point loss 84-82.
Haslam has it a 4 point loss 84.5 to 80.5.

Going to take a great effort to pull this one off.

Looking back at this years team I think it's fair to say Hadaway was the energy guy.

But when it comes to the emotional leader, heart and soul of the team, it's the grad student trying to extend his playing career. Fighting back from a knee injury. This is Reefs team from here on out IMO.

AJC isn't "the man" and was never going to be "the man". It's just not him. We just need AJC to play like AJC rather than BRod 2.0.

AJB is the most talented player on the team. I'd love to see him BECOME "the man" and take his game to the next level.

I think we need 20+ from likely both AJB and Reef to win this game.

Pavs, keep making shots and please play some semblance of defense.

Searls get us some rebounds and easy buckets when you're in the game to hold your own.

E26, that would be Elijah Elliott #6, has stepped into the Hadaway energy role and just oozes potential. Dare I say he reminds me a bit of a freshman Mark Sears, limited in minutes initially but slowly coming into his own. If he gets us 8-12 pts and 4+ rebounds while playing active D were golden.

I still think, like the metrics, this is probably a loss. But give me the above and there's a path to winning this game and kick starting our March run.
I love all of these but I would add two more things:

Before that, I love the Elliott to Sears but may I go a bit further back and say Elliott reminds me of a mix of when Laster and Ryan Taylor were freshmen and had to be pressed into playing time? I think Elliott can become what they became. Taylor was a high major player and Laster was a really solid player for us.

At Akron though..

Ajay--play annoyingly good defense on the Kron guards. Get in their grills, clap at them, play physical (he's actually built fairly strong for his size) and don't worry about shooting.

Elmore--this is your chance--show us some of the old timey Elmore. Play within yourself and be physical. Post up...dribble in and be tough. Play with confidence. Akron is a Northeastern Ohio Team and you're a Northeast Ohio dude! LFG!
Agree on Ryan Taylor but you are remembering a different Mike Laster than I do. He was athletic, yes, but never really contributed much unless I am mistaken.
Mike Laster was a steady improver and had an All-MAC caliber senior season. He was awesome.

Edit: Ok, more objectively, he had a very good senior season. 14.5 per game, about 3 boards, and 39% from deep. he did have 6 games scoring 20 or more. was generally playing minutes in the 30s.
Last Edited: 2/21/2025 3:25:41 PM by Deciduous Forest Cat
GoCats105
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Posted: 2/21/2025 4:35 PM
Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
I dunno about game of the year. That should be reserved for Cleveland IMO. Would be a nice momentum game and help in us trying to get the 3 seed from Toledo for sure.

Torvik has it a 2 point loss 84-82.
Haslam has it a 4 point loss 84.5 to 80.5.

Going to take a great effort to pull this one off.

Looking back at this years team I think it's fair to say Hadaway was the energy guy.

But when it comes to the emotional leader, heart and soul of the team, it's the grad student trying to extend his playing career. Fighting back from a knee injury. This is Reefs team from here on out IMO.

AJC isn't "the man" and was never going to be "the man". It's just not him. We just need AJC to play like AJC rather than BRod 2.0.

AJB is the most talented player on the team. I'd love to see him BECOME "the man" and take his game to the next level.

I think we need 20+ from likely both AJB and Reef to win this game.

Pavs, keep making shots and please play some semblance of defense.

Searls get us some rebounds and easy buckets when you're in the game to hold your own.

E26, that would be Elijah Elliott #6, has stepped into the Hadaway energy role and just oozes potential. Dare I say he reminds me a bit of a freshman Mark Sears, limited in minutes initially but slowly coming into his own. If he gets us 8-12 pts and 4+ rebounds while playing active D were golden.

I still think, like the metrics, this is probably a loss. But give me the above and there's a path to winning this game and kick starting our March run.
I love all of these but I would add two more things:

Before that, I love the Elliott to Sears but may I go a bit further back and say Elliott reminds me of a mix of when Laster and Ryan Taylor were freshmen and had to be pressed into playing time? I think Elliott can become what they became. Taylor was a high major player and Laster was a really solid player for us.

At Akron though..

Ajay--play annoyingly good defense on the Kron guards. Get in their grills, clap at them, play physical (he's actually built fairly strong for his size) and don't worry about shooting.

Elmore--this is your chance--show us some of the old timey Elmore. Play within yourself and be physical. Post up...dribble in and be tough. Play with confidence. Akron is a Northeastern Ohio Team and you're a Northeast Ohio dude! LFG!
Agree on Ryan Taylor but you are remembering a different Mike Laster than I do. He was athletic, yes, but never really contributed much unless I am mistaken.
Mike Laster was a steady improver and had an All-MAC caliber senior season. He was awesome.

Edit: Ok, more objectively, he had a very good senior season. 14.5 per game, about 3 boards, and 39% from deep. he did have 6 games scoring 20 or more. was generally playing minutes in the 30s.
Really didn't see a ton of minutes until halfway through his Junior year, and it could be argued the only reason he saw his minutes increase were because Tony Campbell got hurt and we were scrambling. Once he got in, he was more than serviceable. Good enough to play in Europe, FWIW.
OUbobcat9092
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Posted: 2/21/2025 8:08 PM
With BG beating Toledo tonight, a win here gets us to 3rd in the MAC!
Bring Back Men's Track & Field
MonroeClassmate
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Posted: 2/21/2025 11:40 PM
OUbobcat9092 wrote:expand_more
With BG beating Toledo tonight, a win here gets us to 3rd in the MAC!
And at home with a nice crowd playing the team with the LONGEST current win streak in the NATION and a NATIONAL audience on ESPN2 with the above should require no pep talk from Coach to have these guys fired up to play their game.

Protect the ball, crash the boards, play stifling defense, cause turnovers and move the ball on offense, concentrate when shooting the free throws and call on the great Bobcat Ghosts of past seasons to give you the edge over your opponent. Have Heart!

Go Bobcats!
GoCats105
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Posted: 2/22/2025 7:14 PM
This can't be the same team we've watched all year. What a performance so far.
Cats5
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Posted: 2/22/2025 7:19 PM
Foot on the gas until the end. Don’t lift.
GraffZ06
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Posted: 2/22/2025 8:05 PM
We should probably start looking somewhere else for a coach who can recruit better.

In all seriousness, wish THAT game happened in 3 weeks in Cleveland, but you can't complain about the result.
Last Edited: 2/22/2025 8:06:39 PM by GraffZ06
FearLeon
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Posted: 2/22/2025 8:08 PM
Clayton has taken a lot of heat this year. This was the best game all year out of him in terms of aggression and being physical. Hats off to #23.

And you pay E2 what he needs to keep him in Athens for another year. The leap he will make from year one to year two is going to be fantastic.
#BleedGreen #TrentIsGOAT #NoMissesAllowed #NoOtherTeamInAmericaFlexesLikeOhio #11Months
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