Hustle Belt - 2014-2015 MAC Men's Basketball News: Week 9MAC Football, MAC Basketball, MAC Recruiting, MAC Baseball and all of the other #MACtion hijinks in between - hustlebeltblog@gmail.comhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50387/hustle-fav.png2015-01-10T22:42:24-05:00http://www.hustlebelt.com/rss/stream/72586102015-01-10T22:42:24-05:002015-01-10T22:42:24-05:00Kent State hangs on to to beat NIU 67-65
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<p>Devareaux Manley was 5-for-5 from 3-point range in the second half, which was vital to Kent State's win.</p> <h3>Manley's strong second half</h3>
<p><span>Devareaux Manley</span> had one helluva second half. He, as well as the rest of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/kent-st-golden-flashes">Kent State Golden Flashes</a> (10-5, 1-1 MAC) were off to a slow first half, was 0-for-3 from 3-point range in the first half but came out firing after halftime, going 5-for-5 in that category in the second half. He was also 4-for-5 from the free throw line, which helped his point total get up to 19 by the game's end. And I hate being the guy that says if you take out all of the good things somebody or a team does, then you'd only have bad things, but there's no way Kent State wins this game without Manley finding his rhythm in the second half like that.</p>
<h3>Hall had 15 points before being fouled out</h3>
<p><span>Jimmy Hall</span> is maybe the most well-known name on the Flashes' roster. His team never trailed by a large margin, but he was the game's leading scorer with nine points at halftime. He earned his fourth foul with just under eight minutes to go in the second half, then was fouled out at the 3:30 mark. He was 6-for-10 from the floor with four rebounds and three free throws.</p>
<h3>Threloff put up 21, grabbed a lot of offensive rebounds too</h3>
<p>Hitting 11 free throws is always a bonus. Always.</p>
<p>5-for-10 from the field including nine rebounds (all but one were offensive boards), I'd say that's a pretty solid day for Northern Illinois (7-6, 1-1 MAC). You'd think that those five shots he made were all put-backs, but that only happened once. <span>Travon Baker</span>, who had eight assists, showed good ball movement to get Threloff the ball down low plenty of times to either get the short shot in or to draw the foul and get to the line.</p>
<h3>13 ties, 14 game changes</h3>
<p>But seriously, this was a really tight game the whole way. The largest point differential we saw was by seven points when NIU led 12-5 and 14-7 within the first ten minutes of the game.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="must-reads-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>Game Leaders<span class="must-reads-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
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<p> </p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="left">Player</th> <th align="center">Northern Illinois</th> <th align="center">Kent State</th>
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<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Points</b></td>
<td align="center">J. Threloff (21)</td>
<td align="center">D. Manley (19)</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Rebounds</b></td>
<td align="center">J. Threloff (9)</td>
<td align="center">C. Ortiz (7)</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Assists</b></td>
<td align="center">T. Baker (8)</td>
<td align="center">D. Jackson (8)</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Blocks</b></td>
<td align="center">K. Gray (1)</td>
<td align="center">K. Spicer (2)</td>
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<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><b>Steals</b></td>
<td align="center">T. Baker (2)</td>
<td align="center">3 tied (1)</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2015/1/10/7526631/northern-illinois-huskies-vs-kent-state-golden-flashes-basketballAlex Alvarado2015-01-10T20:15:44-05:002015-01-10T20:15:44-05:00Ball State does it again: Cards blitz Chips 83-65
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cardinals continued to roll on Saturday against Central Michigan.</p> <p>For the second time in three days Ball State knocked off a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.midmajormadness.com/2015/1/5/7493547/mid-major-madness-power-15-central-michigan-debuts-northern-iowa-drops">Mid-Major Madness Power 15</a> team, running away from Central Michigan 83-65 in Muncie.</p>
<p>Ball State (7-6, 2-0) upset Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti on Wednesday in a game where the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/ball-st-cardinals">Cardinals</a> had to overcome poor shooting, turnovers, and needed overtime before finally outlasting the Eagles. Saturday at Worthen Arena there would be no such drama.</p>
<p>The Cardinals trailed 52-51 with 13:24 remaining before closing the game on a 32-13 run to put away the Chippewas. Ball State shot better than 55% from the field and 50% from three-point range.</p>
<p>Five Cardinals scored in double figures on Saturday, lead by 21 from <span>Zavier Turner</span>. Turner hit 7 of 10 shots and all four tries from behind the arc. Often a concern for last season's MAC Freshman of the Year, his two turnovers were his second lowest total of this season, to go along with five assists.</p>
<p>The Ball State front court shined for the second straight game. <span>Matt Kamieniecki</span> scored 10 and ripped down 10 boards. <span>Franko House</span> added 13 points and 5 rebounds.</p>
<p>Perhaps most impressive for the Cardinals was the increased contribution of Jeremiah Davis. In his third game since having his NCAA eligibility restored following a transfer from Cincinnati, Davis had his best performance in a Ball State uniform. In 24 minutes he hit 6 of 11 shots for 14 points to go with 4 rebounds and 4 assists.</p>
<p>Central Michigan (11-2, 1-1) can't get back to Mount Pleasant fast enough. The Chippewas entered Muncie as the nation's second highest scoring team at 86 points a game. The 65 scored Saturday matches CMU's lowest scoring output of the season.</p>
<p>The CMU back court was far from spectacular but efficient against the Cardinals. <span>Rayshawn Simmons</span> scored 14 and <span>Chris Fowler</span> chipped in 13. They were the only two Chippewas to score in double figures. <span>Braylon Rayson</span> struggled for the second straight game, scoring 7 points on 2 of 9 shooting. Rayson has reached double digits just once in the last five games.</p>
<p>Central's front court was a non factor on Saturday. <span>John Simons</span> disappeared. His 6 points were his lowest total this season against a team not named Northwestern. His 2 rebounds were his lowest total against anyone. Freshman <span>Luke Meyer</span> added a little bit of a scoring presence in the paint. He scored 9 on 4 of 6 shooting.</p>
<p>This win was the first against a Top 100 RPI opponent this season for the Cardinals.</p>
<p>Both teams return to action Wednesday. Ball State travels to Western Michigan, Central Michigan welcomes Miami.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="must-reads-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>Game Leaders<span class="must-reads-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
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<p> </p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" width="100%">
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<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="left">Player</th> <th align="center">HOME</th> <th align="center">AWAY</th>
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<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Points</b></td>
<td align="center">Z. Turner (21)</td>
<td align="center">R. Simmons (14)</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Rebounds</b></td>
<td align="center">M. Kamieniecki (10)</td>
<td align="center">R. Simmons (5)</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Assists</b></td>
<td align="center">Z. Turner (5)</td>
<td align="center">C. Fowler (4)</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Blocks</b></td>
<td align="center">F. House, B. Calhoun, M. Kamieniecki (1)</td>
<td align="center">B. Hibbits (1)</td>
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<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><b>Steals</b></td>
<td align="center">Z. Turner (3)</td>
<td align="center">C. Fowler (3)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2015/1/10/7526209/ball-state-cardinals-vs-central-michigan-chippewas-final-cards-knockKeith Scheessele2015-01-10T19:39:25-05:002015-01-10T19:39:25-05:00Richuan Holmes Dunks the Bobcats<iframe width="500" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W_jv4jJNX54?feature=oembed" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Richuan Holmes goes for 18 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks in 69-54 home win over Ohio Bobcats. See two of his buckets on impressive dunks!</p></p></div>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/2015/1/10/7526471/richuan-holmes-dunks-the-bobcatsRandy Carpenter2015-01-10T12:00:03-05:002015-01-10T12:00:03-05:00Shooty Hoops Open Thread: Viva El Madness!
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<p>This is so much fun, contrary to what Bobby Hurley thinks.</p> <p>So we've had a pretty crazy first week. Akron smoked Western Michigan on night one of conference play, while Central Michigan inexplicably won at Toledo on a late three-pointer. More zaniness happened Wednesday, as Ball State pulled off the biggest upset of the week <a target="_blank" href="http://kenpom.com/blog/">according to KenPom</a>. The Cardinals win at Eastern Michigan sent some shockwaves through the conference and showed that everyone has to bring it every night.</p>
<p>What madness will we have today? First of all, let's give you the schedule:</p>
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<td><b>Home</b></td>
<td><b>Time</b></td>
<td><b>Streaming</b></td>
</tr>
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<td>Buffalo</td>
<td>Western Michigan</td>
<td>1:00<span> </span>
</td>
<td>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.wmubroncos.com/liveEvents/liveEvents.dbml?SPID=1924&db_oem_id=4600">wmubroncos.com</a> ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ohio</td>
<td>Bowling Green</td>
<td>4:00<span> </span>
</td>
<td>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bgsufalcons.com/watch/purchase.aspx?Live=15&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bgsufalcons.com%2Fwatch%2F%3FLive%3D15">bgsufalcons.com</a> ($)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Central Michigan</td>
<td>Ball State<span> </span>
</td>
<td>4:30</td>
<td>ESPN3</td>
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<td>Eastern Michigan</td>
<td>Miami</td>
<td>5:30</td>
<td>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.muredhawks.com/liveEvents/liveEvents.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=26100">muredhawks.com</a> ($)</td>
</tr>
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<td>Kent State</td>
<td>Northern Illinois</td>
<td>8:00<span> </span>
</td>
<td>ESPN3</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
<p>Not a lot of free action, but feel free to follow along and jump in the discussion about some MAC basketball. Obviously the Buffalo-Western Michigan will be the one to watch, followed by Ohio-Bowling Green. Of course, after Ball State's win, you really can't count anyone out. Miami played well against Buffalo and has the chance to drop Eastern Michigan to 0-2, which may cause some Eagle fans to panic.</p>
<p>Hop in, enjoy the ride, and let's hope for some more craziness.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2015/1/10/7523379/shooty-hoops-saturday-open-thread-let-the-madness-continueBrandon Hickey2015-01-10T09:00:02-05:002015-01-10T09:00:02-05:00Chippewas and Cardinals battle for first place
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<figcaption>Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What would have been a battle of the bottom-feeders a year ago is now a compelling early season conference matchup. </p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/central-michigan-chippewas" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Central Michigan</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/ball-st-cardinals">Ball State</a> both started play in the MAC considerably better than they did last year. The two teams, who lost their opening games just a year ago, both opened up MAC play with unexpected road wins. The Chippewas (11-1, 1-0 MAC) defeated the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/toledo-rockets" class="sbn-auto-link">Toledo Rockets</a> thanks to a strong effort from <span>Chris Fowler</span> and <span>Rayshawn Simmons</span>, while the Cardinals (6-6, 1-0 MAC) needed overtime to pull off the upset against Eastern Michigan thanks in part to a strong effort on the glass by senior <span>Matt Kamieniecki.</span></p>
<p>Both teams are entering the game with a lot of momentum. The Cardinals are coming into the game on a 3-game win streak, while the Chips enter the game having won their last six. Something will have to give however when the teams meet at 4:30 on Saturday afternoon in Worthen Arena.</p>
<p>Statistically the Chippewas seem to have a big advantage. CMU's offense has been high-powered all season having broken the 100-point mark twice during non-conference play. Central Michigan enters the game second in the country in points per game, 13th in field goal percentage, and 33rd in rebounds. A year ago these stats would have never seemed possible for Central Michigan. However the maturation of guys like Simmons and <span>John Simons </span>along with the efforts of freshman <span>Luke Meyer</span> and <span>DaRohn Scott</span> have made the Chippewas legitimate contenders in the MAC.</p>
<p>Ball State however, has shown that they can compete against good teams this year. Not only did the Cardinals pull of the upset against EMU, but they looked good in losing efforts to then-nationally ranked San Diego State, and mid-major power Valparaiso. If Central Michigan comes into this game expecting to roll over the Cardinals, then there could easily be another upset early on in the conference season.</p>
<p>The Chippewas are not often favored to win games, so it will be interesting to see how well they compete against "inferior" MAC competition.</p>
<p>Do not expect the Chips to underperform, however.</p>
<p>As CMU proved in their win against Toledo, they have two major weapons which make them dangerous: depth on the roster, and a well-rounded offensive attack. The Chippewas can play inside and beat you with size thanks to guys like Meyer and Scott, but they can also shoot the lights out from three and beat you with speed.</p>
<p>Even when the Chips don't shoot that well from the outside, which has been their bread and butter all season, they can still win. They showed this in the game at Toledo earlier this week. CMU's percentage from outside on the season is over 40 percent, however against Toledo they only shot 28 percent from behind the arc. If CMU continues to be a versatile offensive team, Ball State just might not be able to slow them down.</p>
<p>The key matchup will be <span>Sean Sellers</span> against the Chippewas defense. The Chips have at times looked vulnerable on defense and Sellers has the potential for a big game if the defensive struggles arise again for CMU.</p>
<p>If Central Michigan can contain Sellers however, then the Chips should be able to out-talent and out-size their way to a victory.</p>
<h5>Final Score Prediction: CMU 82, BSU 68</h5>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2015/1/10/7523755/ball-state-cardinals-vs-central-michigan-chippewas-previewZacharyLiles2015-01-10T07:00:03-05:002015-01-10T07:00:03-05:00It could get defensive in the Stroh on Saturday
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<img alt="Jehvon Clarke and the Bowling Green Falcons host Ohio on Saturday" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Chp9NM4pxPLeaaBCKhjHsBeUPfw=/0x0:1751x1167/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45190308/usa-today-7569970.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jehvon Clarke and the Bowling Green Falcons host Ohio on Saturday | Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Bowling Green comes into its second conference home game trending in a better direction than Ohio. </p> <p><span>Richaun Holmes</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/bowling-green-falcons">Bowling Green Falcons</a> await the Ohio Bobcats in a Saturday afternoon game that features two teams that are trending in different directions.</p>
<p>BG and Ohio split their home-and-away a year ago, with the Falcons winning in Athens in January last year while the Bobcats won at the Stroh, 72-61. The Falcons have won three straight games while the 'Cats have fallen in four of their last games.</p>
<p>Year one for Coach Saul Phillips has been rocky. Though not faced with a cupcake schedule, not many could have expected Ohio to start 5-7. Well, on the bench opposite Ohio on Saturday will be a Falcons team that boasts a 9-3 record, and a win over a good Kent State team who visited the Stroh Center on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Ohio comes in sitting dead last in the MAC in attempted free throws with 140 makes. Shot selection and a willingness to shoot long shots has been partly to blame in that aspect. Against a physical and defensive-minded Falcons squad, Ohio will have to attack the basket early and often and find its way to the free throw line and convert when presented with the opportunity. <span>Maurice Ndour</span>, with three double-doubles in his last four games will be tasked with much of that physical play early while going against the best shot-blocker in the MAC in Richaun Holmes.</p>
<p>The Bobcats will look to <span>Javarez Willis</span> to bounce back from a game in which he scored 15 points (just under his average) but in which he made just one of his eight 3-point tries. Stepping up big despite the loss was big man <span>Antonio Campbell</span>, who has commanded an increasing number of touches as of late in the post. A traditional back-to-the-basket big man who can step out and hit from deep, Campbell went from coming off the bench at the start of the season to playing major minutes and playing a vital role in the offense.</p>
<p>Bowling Green will be hoping for a hot start from several Falcons, three of which average nearly 10 points a game in <span>Anthony Henderson</span>, <span>Jehvon Clarke</span> and <span>Zack Denny</span> the last of whom will gather more and more respect as the season goes along. Denny, a sophomore from Germantown, Ohio, has put up 18 and 16 against Wright State and Dayton respectively. It's surprising considering that just a year ago, the young guard played just 31 minutes all year, mostly due to an injury. Saul Phillips' crew will have to keep an eye on forward Spencer Parker, who pumped in 16 second half points in BG's 66-64 victory over Kent.</p>
<p>Chris Jans and crew will look to get the best of the 'Cats while his team is feeling it. Saul Phillips just wants that first MAC victory marked on his resume.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2015/1/10/7522425/bowling-green-falcons-vs-ohio-bobcats-east-beasts-square-off-in-strohKaleb Carter2015-01-09T22:00:02-05:002015-01-09T22:00:02-05:00Toledo blitzes Akron behind big second half
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<p>Toledo used their athleticism and Akron's inability to get a stop in the second half to pull away and secure a home win.</p> <p>Akron had gotten used to beating Toledo. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/akron-zips" class="sbn-auto-link">Zips</a> had topped the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/toledo-rockets" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> six straight times before last year's home loss to the upstart program from the MAC's once inferior Western Division. The tide has now shifted, and now it's the Rockets who have a mini-winning streak over one of the most established programs in the entire conference.</p>
<p>Toledo used a 32-15 advantage at the free throw line to get back to their winning ways in a 84-67 triumph over the Zips. The Rockets scored nearly 50 points in the second half and held Akron steady over both halves, evening their record at 1-1 after a surprising home loss to Central Michigan just a few days ago.</p>
<p>The first half started with a flurry, as Akron jumped out to an 8-3 lead courtesy of two <span>Nyles Evans</span> threes. Toledo stormed back with an 10-3 run to take the lead at 13-11. After a few back and forth baskets, the Zips went on yet another run, this time by an 8-2 margin to take a 28-23 lead. The Rockets were looking a little shaky and were playing not to lose like they did against Central Michigan.</p>
<p>Toledo responded though, and came back to take the lead at 34-32 on a couple <span>Julius Brown</span> free throws. Akron's <span>Noah Robotham</span> made a bucket to tie the game, then <span>J.D. Weatherspoon</span> did this:</p>
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<p>Akron used their three point barrage-style offense mostly in the first half and it worked for them. Half of the Zips' field goal attempts were from beyond the arc and they ended up making six of them. Toledo showed to be the more aggressive team in the first half, as they outrebounded the Zips by two and shot eleven more free throws than their Akron counterparts.</p>
<p>The foul disparity continued in the second half, as at one point Akron had 20 fouls and the Rockets had just eight. It seemed that on every possession Akron was being whistled for a foul. When you're playing against the team with the highest percentage from the free throw line in the conference, that poses a problem. Yes, some of the calls were pretty questionable. But, if Akron would have been more aggressive instead of jacking up a bunch of threes, they may have made more trips to the free throw line.</p>
<p>It what probably gave the game to Toledo, Evans was called for his fifth foul on a technical with 7:31 left in the game. He was Akron's leading scorer at that point (13 points) and was one of the few who were hitting threes on a consistent basis. Evans picked up his technical after making a layup to cut the Toledo lead to nine. The Rockets then went on a 7-1 run to take a 15-point lead and wouldn't look back from there.</p>
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<p>Toledo were the aggressors in the second half as well. They outrebounded Akron 35-27 and shot just 11 threes. The Rockets made nine of those 11, and picked the right time to shoot threes instead of chucking up prayers. Thirty-seven of their field goal attempts came from within the three-point line, a stat that shows how much they either got shots at the rim or around the rim. That lead to high-percentage looks which explains the Rockets' 56% shooting mark from the field.</p>
<p>Only one other Zip crested double digits - <span>Pat Forsythe</span>. He had ten points but was in foul trouble. You got the feeling that Akron didn't utilize him enough and could have picked up a few more free throw attempts had the guards gotten the ball down to Forsythe in the post.</p>
<p>If <span>Nathan Boothe</span> would have scored one more point, all five starters would have been in double figures for the Rockets. Weatherspoon led the way with 17 points and six rebounds. <span>Jonathan Williams</span> followed "Spoon" up with 15 and six, while Juice Brown and <span>Justin Drummond</span> had 14 and 13, respectively.</p>
<p>Akron travel back to the Rubber City to take on a thriving Bowling Green team that could be 2-0 if they beat Ohio tomorrow. Toledo heads to Athens next week to take on those same Bobcats. This is going to be such a fun season, and we're just getting started.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="must-reads-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>Game Leaders<span class="must-reads-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
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<p> </p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="left">Player</th> <th align="center">Toledo</th> <th align="center">Akron</th>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Points</b></td>
<td align="center">J.D. Weatherspoon (17)</td>
<td align="center">Nyles Evans (13)</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Rebounds</b></td>
<td align="center">Nathan Boothe (7)</td>
<td align="center">
<span>Isaiah Johnson</span> (7)</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Assists</b></td>
<td align="center">
<span>Justin Drummond</span> (4)</td>
<td align="center">Pat Forsythe (3)</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="left"><b>Blocks</b></td>
<td align="center">Nathan Boothe (1)</td>
<td align="center">Pat Forsythe (1)</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="left"><b>Steals</b></td>
<td align="center">Noah Robotham (2)</td>
<td align="center">Nathan Boothe (3)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2015/1/9/7523011/akron-zips-vs-toledo-rockets-final-rockets-use-aggressiveness-toBrandon Hickey2015-01-09T11:42:10-05:002015-01-09T11:42:10-05:00Bulls forwards will be problematic for Broncos
<figure>
<img alt="Buffalo's Justin Moss" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yaKujWM6ztyU4-0n7KV777LKViw=/481x128:2166x1251/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45185954/usa-today-8208886.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Buffalo's Justin Moss | Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bulls are looking to build off a win against Miami while the Broncos want to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Akron.</p> <p>This Saturday at 1pm ET, Western Michigan (9-5, 0-1 MAC) will play host to Buffalo (10-3, 1-0 MAC) in WMU's conference home opener. On Tuesday, the Broncos got <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2015/1/6/7505543/akron-zips-vs-western-michigan-broncos-final-score-recap-basketball">blown out by 20 facing Akron</a> and on Wednesday Buffalo almost allowed a Miami comeback on the way to a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2015/1/7/7512091/miami-redhawks-vs-buffalo-bulls-basketball-final-mac-recap">79-72 win</a>.</p>
<p>These two squads line up pretty well statistically. The <a href="https://www.ubbullrun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a> and the Broncos are averaging 74 and 72 points per game, respectively, while Buffalo allows 66 points per game and the Broncos are giving 67 per game.</p>
<p>Buffalo's two best scorers right now are junior forward <span>Justin Moss</span> (16.9 points per game) and sophomore guard <span>Shannon Evans</span> (15.9 points per game). Evans also leads the Bulls in assists with 5.3 per game and playing time, averaging 35 minutes.</p>
<p>Moss led the way for Buffalo against Miami on Wednesday, scoring a game-high 23 points and gathering 12 rebounds. Off the bench, Buffalo's senior forward <span>Xavier Ford</span> also provided 17 points over 30 minutes. A strong bench presence will be tough for WMU to combat.</p>
<p>The Broncos' offense has been dominated by junior forward <span>Connar Tava</span>, who is leading the team in points (15.2 per game), assists (3.9 per game), and rebounds (6.1 per game). Senior guard <span>David Brown</span> and sophomore forward <span>Tucker Haymond</span> are also providing 13.8 and 13.4 points per game, respectively.</p>
<p>In Western's loss to Akron, however, Tava was kept largely silent, scoring only six points. Tucker Haymond had a fantastic night however, scoring 21 while Brown followed that with 14.</p>
<p>A major problem for Western against Akron was a lack of size down low that resulted in defensive woes. I think that something similar might happen in this game. Buffalo is bringing down 38 rebounds a game while the Broncos have only mustered 30. And the Bulls are averaging 4.2 blocks per game to the Broncos' 1.8 per game.</p>
<p>In order to overcome this problem, WMU will have to build up a lead. Buffalo's stingy defense, however, may be able to contain a Bronco attack that has recently relied heavily on perimeter movement. But I think after Western's self-proclaimed embarrassment at Akron, and with the home-crowd behind them, the Broncos will be able to contain Evans just enough to pull off win. <b>Final score prediction: WMU 65, Buffalo 63</b>.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-basketball/2015/1/9/7519373/buffalo-bulls-vs-western-michigan-broncos-mens-basketball-previewBen Roush