MAC Madness Heads to Cleveland

With apologies to ESPN’s Bowl week, this is truly the most wonderful time of the year. As major conference tournaments get underway, and the NCAA bracket begins to take shape, excitement and passion can be felt all around the country.

The MAC’s edition of March Madness looks to join in the fun when their conference tournament really gets going Thursday, as the eight remaining teams all take the court at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

The Akron Zips, after winning the regular season title, has to be considered the favorite. John Groce’s team built on an impressive non-conference season and carried that momentum to the top of the MAC, a spot many Zips fans have been familiar with.

Although Akron may be considered the front-runner, there are no shortages of challengers that will soon gather in Cleveland.

The Favorite

Akron (24-7, 14-4 MAC) – Akron heads into the tournament after back to back hard fought home victories against its two biggest rivals, Ohio and Kent State.  Akron’s balanced attack helps take the pressure off its offense during big games, as the Zips boast four players averaging double figures.

Key Player – Loren Cristian Jackson

Loren Cristian Jackson, when on, can absolutely take over a game. His small frame and great dribbling ability make him a nightmare for opposing coaches to figure out. At almost 20 PPG, his shooting isn’t too bad either.

Contenders

Bowling Green (21-10, 12-6 MAC) – The Falcons must continue to get production from guards Dylan Frye and Daeqwon Plowden, to cut down the nets this weekend. Auxiliary scoring and a renewed focus on defense will make Bowling Green a very tough out.

Key Player – Justin Turner

It is no secret that to win in March, you must have good guard play. With Turner, the Falcons have one of the best. Although Turner isn’t leading the league in scoring, there is no one you’d rather have with the ball in his hands at the end of a game.

Ball State (18-13, 11-7 MAC) – While Akron has the balance, and Bowling Green has the guards, it has been the play of the Cardinals’ big men that has put Ball State on the brink of a conference tournament championship.

The Cardinals also enter the tournament on the back of an impressive 75-54 road victory over Northern Illinois. That win secured the No.3 seed for Ball State in the MAC Tournament, and also a share of the MAC West Division Title.

Key Player – Tahjai Teague

At 14.5 PPG and 9.1 RPG, this double-double machine can physically impose his will on any game. With 34 points over his last two games, Teague is also peaking at the right time.

The Dark Horse

Ohio (17-5, 8-10 MAC) – The Bobcats are a team no one wants to see on their side of the bracket. Ohio over the last two weeks displayed its untapped potential with double digit halftime leads on the road at Bowling Green and Akron, and at home against Central Michigan. When this team gets hot, the threes make Ohio a team that can go all the way.

Key Player – Jason Preston

As just a sophomore, Preston has announced his presence as one of the best players in the conference. His vision on the court makes him hard to guard, as he can find the right pass just as easy as he can score the ball. His improved shot this year has already made him a Player of the Year candidate.

Patrick’s Power Rankings

As the month of February ends, basketball fans across the country are beginning to feel the excitement of the two best words in sports, “March Madness.” This feeling is even more intensified in the heart of America as MACtion is about to take center stage in Cleveland.

With two conference games remaining, little has been settled as far as seeding. Even teams at the bottom of the standings are still hoping for a first round home game. And tiebreaker scenarios? Don’t ask yet, hopefully things will sort themselves out.

So what team currently reigns supreme?  What teams are peaking at the right time?  Luckily for you, the answers are below in this week’s Patrick’s Power Rankings…

1). Bowling Green (21-8, 12-4 MAC) – Just when you think you have a grasp on this league; its top ranked team gets blown out by last place Miami. However the Falcons recent dominant performance against Akron is enough to claim the top spot.

2). Akron (22-7, 12-4 MAC) – The Zips have won six of their last seven and quickly erased the bad feeling they had at Bowling Green, with an impressive road win at Buffalo. Loren Cristian Jackson continues to lead the way for Akron as he matched his career high with 35 points against the Bulls.

3). Northern Illinois (17-12, 10-6 MAC) – Huskies’ fans are hoping the team didn’t peak midseason during its six game winnings streak. Despite losing three of five, Northern Illinois is still in great position to get a bye to Cleveland for the conference tournament.

4). Buffalo (18-11, 9-7 MAC) – The Bulls have been one of the streakiest teams in the country this season, with five separate winning and losing streaks. Unfortunately for Buffalo, its current streak is the losing variety.

5). Ball State (16-13, 9-7 MAC) – The Cardinals have been a tough team to figure out this season. At points they have looked like title contenders, while other times just a middle of the pack team. If they make a run in March is will be on the back on forward Tahjai Teague.

6). Kent State (18-11, 8-8 MAC) – The Golden Flashes are trending in the wrong direction as we flip the calendar to March. Despite losing five of their last seven games, Kent State’s athleticism makes them a team to be feared come tournament time.

7). Ohio (15-14, 7-9 MAC) – The Bobcats spent last week doing something they haven’t done much this year, closing out games. A lesson, if learned earlier, (4 conference losses by 3 points or less), could have seen Ohio challenge for a bye to Cleveland.

8). Toledo (15-14, 7-9 MAC) – At one point Toledo was staring at a 3-8 conference record and the possibility of a really long February and March. Now the Rockets can’t wait until March Madness and see themselves as a real factor come tournament time.

9). Eastern Michigan (16-13, 6-10 MAC) – The Eagles have turned their season around winning six of nine after starting conference play with seven straight losses. A more balanced attack, and an improved emphasis on their zone defense, are reasons why Eastern Michigan will be a tough out in March.

10). Miami (12-17, 5-11 MAC) – The RedHawks proved to themselves, and the rest of the conference, that they can play with anyone after defeating first place Bowling Green 73-55.

11). Western Michigan (12-17, 5-11 MAC) – The Broncos ended a five-game losing with a recent win against West Division leader, Northern Illinois. That win will give Western Michigan fans hope that more upsets will be in store over the next two weeks.

12). Central Michigan (13-16, 6-10 MAC) – The Chippewas are in complete freefall after losing eight straight games. Forward David Dileo has been one of the few bright spots for Central Michigan.

Turner’s Late Jumper Crushes Ohio’s Upset Bid

Justin Turner’s jumper with 2.2 seconds left in regulation capped off a wild second half comeback for Bowling Green and cruelly ended the Bobcats’ upset bid in a 62-61 Falcons victory over Ohio Saturday at the Stroh Center.

The upstart Bobcats, looking to spring an upset on division leading Bowling Green, used the three-point shot to quickly take control of the opening twenty minutes. Ohio’s lead grew to as many as 18 points with 6:54 left in the first half, thanks to three straight three-pointers.

Ohio hit nine total three-pointers in the first half and took an impressive 39-24 lead to the break.

The second half started with the Falcons reminding Ohio, and all in attendance, why they entered the day in first place. Taking their game to another level, Bowling Green started the second half on an 11-0, and after only three minutes, made it a one possession game again.

Over the next 16 minutes the teams traded baskets, turnovers and amazing individual plays to see the score tied with 60 seconds to play. An and-one layup from Ohio’s Ben Vander Plas, gave the Bobcats a 61-58 lead with 43 seconds left in regulation.

Bowling Green quickly answered on the next possession with two foul shots by Turner, to cut Ohio’s lead to one.

A missed one-and-one by Ohio’s Ben Roderick gave Bowling Green the ball back, and Turner the opportunity he was looking for. Turner grabbed the rebound and calmly dribbled the time down before hitting a step-back jumper at top of the key with 2.2 seconds left to ensure victory for the Falcons.

Bowling Green was led on the day by Trey Diggs with 22 points, including seven three-pointers.

Ohio was again led by Jason Preston with 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

The Falcons return to action on Tuesday when they host Akron in a huge first place showdown.

The Bobcats head back home to Athens where they will entertain Buffalo on Tuesday night.

Kent State Uses the 3 to Cruise Past Bobcats

The Kent State Golden Flashes hit a season-high 17 3-pointers and used a big second half to rout the Ohio Bobcats 87-72 Saturday afternoon at the M.A.C Center in Kent.

In a very entertaining opening half, Ohio used its new found confidence, thanks to a two game winning streak, to match Kent shot for shot early on. Each team drained its first five three-pointers as the crowd was treated to a fast paced offensive explosion that engaged everyone right from the tip.

The rest of the first half was more of the same as a combination of good offense and bad defense saw the lead change several times without either side able to stay in front. The Golden Flashes eventually took a 42-38 lead into the half, knowing this wasn’t the same Ohio team they had seen earlier in Mid-American Conference play.

Ohio continued that new and improved form to start the second half, as they quickly jumped on Kent, using a 6-0 run to grab a 44-42 lead. However, that was as good as it got for the Bobcats, as they never saw the lead again.

Utilizing the strong trio of Troy Simons, Antonio Williams and Anthony Roberts, the Golden Flashes began to take control of the game, quickly building a double digit lead by the 11:46 mark, a lead that would balloon to as many as 19 points.

Kent State was led on the day by Simons who scored a career high 27 points on 8-of-12 from the floor and connected on a season-best 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. Three other Flashes scored in double digits as Roberts added 21 points, Williams scored 16 points and CJ Williamson added 14 points.

Leading the way for Ohio was Jason Preston who finished with 20 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds.

The Bobcats will return home on Tuesday, Feb. 18 when they entertain Central Michigan.

Kent State is back in action on Tuesday, Feb. 18 when they travel to Ypsilanti to take on Eastern Michigan.