Akron showings its game vs. Gonzaga

Thursday, March 19, 2009 | Print Entry

Posted by Ted Miller

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Akron doesn't look like a team that hasn't played in an NCAA tournament since 1986.

The Zips lead 38-35 at the half in a tight affair, the biggest lead before the break being five points (Akron).

Akron has hit 4-of-8 3-pointers -- Gonzaga is 2 of 6 from behind the stripe -- which is making up for an 18-11 rebounding deficit.

Also, the Zips, with just two turnovers, are protecting the ball -- Gonzaga has six miscues.

One significant concern: Nate Linhart, the MAC Tournament MVP and conference Defensive Player of the Year, has three fouls at the break. His 10 points also leads all scorers.

The Zips, just like Gonzaga coach Mark Few predicted, has the Bulldogs attention.

The Zips are much smaller, though. Gonzaga figures to keep pounding inside with Josh Heytvelt, with the expectation that the Zips won't continue to hit 50 percent of their treys.


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