I wanted to start the thread early, because I have tons of thoughts and figured it would be best to isolate them in the game thread...

1) We are 5.5 point favorites, which surprises me quite a bit. Vegas thinks we can win this game on a neutral court, and they might be right. Akron is good, but not nearly as good as last year.

2) I love the #packtheconvo hashtag that the players are using on twitter. It is clear that they care about fan support. I sadly have to work too late to get out there in time, but I hope as many of you go as possible, and bring your friends/family/whoever. This is a big game.

3) This is a big "respect" game, in my opinion. In fact, this is a big "respect" week. We still aren't getting much love from the writers, bloggers, or other fans, who all seem to think we are the lesser of the 3-1 teams. We know how good we are, and that we can beat anyone in this league.

This week is a great chance to prove that to them. We are very tough to beat at home. Only one loss in the Convo this season...that tragic UMass game. I don't think that changes tomorrow. Karrington Ward will have a monster game, and our zone stifles the streaky-shooting Zips.

EMU 68
Akron 60

This site has EMU as a 3.5 point favorite.

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-bask...las-vegas/

It is going to be tough, but I think we can do it :) curious to see how many people show up today. I know the students will have a great turn out as usual.

Tough game at home starts this tough stretch against the MAC East. Should be fun!

(01-22-2014 04:40 AM)emu steve Wrote:  This site has EMU as a 3.5 point favorite.

http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-bask...las-vegas/

This makes it a toss up game but still we need and should win! If/when we win this my bet is that more locals will show up for Saturday's game.

I think USA Today has us as a 5 point fav.

Time for predictions. :)

EMU 68
Akron 64

Guess, EagleSam and I are together on this game.

It all depends on our guards play. Don't lose their cool and stay with the game plan we could win by as much 10 lose their cool it could be very close.

EMU keeps the roll going. EMU 71 Akron 64. I want to see Ward play another solid game. He needs to be our go-to offensive star and Talley is the straw that stirs the drink. If he continues to play really good, smart basketball, it bodes well for the green and white. A reliable and dynamic PG is the hallmark of really good teams.

Talley is going to be the star tonight --book it!

(01-22-2014 03:38 PM)holybovine Wrote:  Talley is going to be the star tonight --book it!

Guys, glad you are aboard the Talley bandwagon.

I've been a charter member for the last 12 months.

I had heard good things about him and 'knew' he was the PG of the future.

I'm starting to warm up again to Riley. I think he'll start having some breakout games. Book it.

(01-22-2014 03:45 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(01-22-2014 03:38 PM)holybovine Wrote:  Talley is going to be the star tonight --book it!

Guys, glad you are aboard the Talley bandwagon.

I've been a charter member for the last 12 months.

I had heard good things about him and 'knew' he was the PG of the future.

I'm starting to warm up again to Riley. I think he'll start having some breakout games. Book it.

Yeah, you were absolutely spot on about Talley -- He's been a revelation. Such a big difference with him running the team as opposed to Ross last year, and that's nothing against Ross either.

I actually became a Riley fan again after I changed my expectations of him to a defensive specialist. If he grabs boards and alter/blocks a few shots, I'm happy with him. Any offense is icing!

one reason why I was mad that Ohio lost to Akron, besides it being a heated rivalry, is because Akron has real problems and I don't think they'll be in the top 4 at the end of the season. The Zips have zero productivity out of their guards and morale and team toughness are an issue. Don't forget Treadwell left the team for a couple of days early in the season after a couple of losses but eventually came back.

Akron has the talent but the cracks are starting to show. They're like a sports car with a bad clutch, stuck in first gear. If EMU can frustrate them and wear them down with a slow pace, and if EMU is for real, I think the Eagles take care of business tonight.

(01-22-2014 04:14 PM)holybovine Wrote:  

(01-22-2014 03:45 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(01-22-2014 03:38 PM)holybovine Wrote:  Talley is going to be the star tonight --book it!

Guys, glad you are aboard the Talley bandwagon.

I've been a charter member for the last 12 months.

I had heard good things about him and 'knew' he was the PG of the future.

I'm starting to warm up again to Riley. I think he'll start having some breakout games. Book it.

Yeah, you were absolutely spot on about Talley -- He's been a revelation. Such a big difference with him running the team as opposed to Ross last year, and that's nothing against Ross either.

I actually became a Riley fan again after I changed my expectations of him to a defensive specialist. If he grabs boards and alter/blocks a few shots, I'm happy with him. Any offense is icing!

Hey, you and I should have a beer at the NCAAs...

(01-22-2014 04:18 PM)perimeterpost Wrote:  ...Don't forget Treadwell left the team for a couple of days early in the season after a couple of losses but eventually came back...

Actually, Treadwell vs. GB III / Riley should be worth the price of admission.

[Treadwell doesn't have Zeke Marshall any more so it will be more one on two...]

I'm here where are people?

(01-22-2014 06:28 PM)emussuperfan Wrote:  I'm here where are people?

Weather + another late arriving crowd, esp. students?

crowd.... yikes

Saturday won't be any better by the way.. and if you think so..

10-0 run under 3 minutes :/

Wow, what a horrible start, especially defensively. Not closing out on anyone. Could get ugly if things don't change.