Ohio at Akron, 7:00 PM Eastern, ASN/espn3
For our latest Hoops HD Report video podcast, CLICK HERE.
The Under the Radar Game of the Day heads to the Mid-American Conference for a battle between the two teams that appear to be battling for the conference regular season championship. Although Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois are both off to 3-1 starts in the West Division, it is the top two teams in the East, Akron and Ohio that we are focusing on tonight. Ohio University, entering play today at 11-4 overall and 3-1 in MAC play, is coming off of a disappointing home loss over the weekend to Eastern Michigan. The Bobcats are being led once again this season by their star player Antonio Campbell. Unfortunately, he left the game against Eastern Michigan after only 3 minutes with a foot injury and is doubtful to play in tonight’s game. Without Campbell, players such as Jaaron Simmons and sophomore Doug Taylor will need to step in and pick up the scoring load. If the Bobcats are able to overcome Campbell’s absence and find a way to win tonight, they will certainly send the message that they are more than a one-man show and good enough to win the conference this season.
With Campbell likely out tonight, the Akron Zips will certainly be favored to pick up the victory. They enter play at 14-3 overall and 4-0 in MAC play. In fact, since a season-opening loss at Youngstown State, the Zips have only lost two games — at Creighton and at Gonzaga. Isaiah Johnson has been a force down low so far this year, including a 33 point, 9 rebound game effort last week at Central Michigan. However, even when Johnson struggles (such as his 8 point, 5 rebound effort last time out at Miami-Ohio), the Zips are deep enough to win, with players such as Antino Jackson, Jimond Ivey, Daniel Utomi and Kwan Cheatham all able to put up solid stat lines. For now, especially with Campbell out for Ohio, the Zips appear to be the favorites in the MAC. A win today, which would put them up by two games in the East Division, could put them in the driver’s seat for the rest of the season.