Displaying items by tag: NIT

The University of Akron Zips will be taking on the Mavericks of U.T. Arlington for a second round NIT matchup in Texas.

Assistant coach Kevin Byrne of the UA basketball team spoke with Sam and Brad Monday to talk about the team, their journey on the road, and what they're looking for in the Mavericks tonight. 

For the full interview, click here.

University of Akron Zips head basketball coach Keith Dambrot spoke with Sam and Brad to talk about the win over Houston in the first round of the NIT.

The Zips will play the Mavericks of UT Arlington on Monday at 8pm in Texas.

For the full interview, click here.

Two Ohio teams will square off in the first round of the NIT Tournament Tuesday, and there might be an upset brewing down in Columbus.

The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Akron Zips will square off on the hardwood tomorrow, and the excitement level might not be at a fever pitch for Buckeye fans, but it is expected to be a solid matchup.

Blake Williams from the Buckeye Sports Bulletin joined the Sam Bourquin Show to talk about the matchup and his overall thoughts on the season.

"I don't think Ohio State fans are all that excited to be playing in the NIT Tournament for the first time in eight years," Williams said. "The NIT committee did do the team (OSU) a favor by giving them an in-state opponent which hopefully would draw a better crowd."

Akron comes into this game at 26-8 after losing to Buffalo in the MAC Championship game, and Ohio State is coming off a 20-13 season for Thad Matta's group, who some say underachieved this season.

 "The expectation in Columbus is to make the NCAA Tournament, which they didn't do, so it's fair to say the season was a disappointment," Williams said.

Blake also touched on the Ohio State women's basketball team, who is looking to find out their seeding for the women's tournament. He says that despite some key injuries, the Lady Buckeyes should be in good shape for the tournament slate with their athleticism and big-game mentality.