MAC Sports Blog by VanDelay Sports

After shocking the world of women’s college basketball on Sunday night, the #12 seed Ball State Lady Cardinals are back in action tonight as they face the #4 seed Iowa State Cyclones. After an impressive 71-55 win over #5 Tennessee, Ball State looks to continue the magic and advance to the 2009 Women’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 round. #12 Ball State (26-8) and #4 Iowa State (25-8) will tip-off around 9:30 pm ET tonight in Bowling Green, Kentucky. As always, fans can look to VanDelay Sports for a great selection of Ball State clothing & merchandise and to DFN Sports partner sites for Ball State hats, gear and more!

The world of women’s college basketball was stunned on Sunday night, and a MAC team was responsible for the headlines. The Ball State Lady Cardinals, a #12 seed in the 2009 Women’s NCAA Tournament, knocked off Pat Summit’s Tennessee Lady Vols in the first round of the Tournament. After a close first half where Ball State led Tennessee 29-28 at the half, the Lady Cardinals dominated the Lady Vols outscoring them 42-27 resulting in an ending that everyone knew was coming. Tennessee cut the Ball State lead to 8 in the final minutes of the game, but Ball State pulled away to ensure an easy 71-55 victory.

The win holds tremendous significance in the world of women’s college basketball. First of all, Pat Summit’s Tennessee teams had never lost before the Sweet 16. Secondly, the Vols were the defending 2-time National Champions. As a result of the loss, this marks the first time a defending National Champion has lost a first round game in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.

Next up for the Ball State Lady Cardinals (26-8) will be the #4 seed Iowa State Cyclones, as the two will face off on Tuesday night at 9:30 pm ET.

The first round of the NCAA Tournament is underway with the days games in the books, and we have reached the evening games featuring the #13 Akron Zips facing the #4 Gonzaga Bulldogs in Portland, Oregon. The Zips, 23-12, come in as the underdog and look to become the first MAC team since 2001 to win a NCAA Tournament game. This appearance for Keith Dambrot’s Zips is Akron’s first since Bobby Huggins led the 1986 Zips to the Big Dance.

For Gonzaga the history, and especially the recent history, is much more positive. Gonzaga is making thier 11th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance after starting their run over a decade ago as a “mid-major” and building their program into a legitimate contender each year. At 26-5 this season, the Bulldogs went 14-0 in the West Coast Conference.

The Zips and the Zags are underway now so check it all out on CBS or their NCAA March Madness on Demand!

The Bulls huddle prior to their MAC Championship matchup with the Akron Zips.

Final - And Akron is going dancing as the take down Buffalo 65-53. In the end, Buffalo just didn’t have enough offensive firepower to stay with the Zips who were white hot from the field all game long. If Akron has their shots falling they could give someone a game in the tournament. It needs to be a good draw though, and not a team with a ton of size. Congrats to the Zips and good luck in the NCAA Tournament.

0:18 - The fans are not happy the Buffalo is sending the Zips to the line again. 65-51…

0:35 - Akron fans believe that they’ve won.

0:49 - Brett McKnight with a 3 as time runs down. 62-47.

1:21 - Remember our pregame discussion about the over? I’m awesome… (shakes head).

1:28 - McKnight finishes the pretty feed. Akron should be dancing. They’re up 14.

2:01 - I’m confused. Which team is trying to run clock here?

2:52 - Daryl Roberts hits a 3 on a reversal pass. That’s trouble. Akron up 12 again.

3:13 - Boudreau hits a shot and fouled! 54-45 UA, we’re got a ball game here… He misses the FT…

3:51 - UB playing Hack-a-Bardo? It’s working to an extent. Buffalo has it down to 53-41 and Boudreau’s at the line when we come back. UB needs to turn the defensive intensity WAY up too. No problem if there’s a foul, like we said earlier, not great FT shooters on either team.

7:56 - 49-34 we’re just not seeing a whole lot from Buffalo here. If they want to get back in this, now’s the time.

11:21 - Akron up 47-31. It’s reallllllly tough to figure out a potential Player of the Tournament with the way that Akron has been spreading their attack.

15:44 - Akron comes out shooting hot. Buffalo does not. Akron leads 43-27 and this one is reaching the danger zone only 4 minutes into the 2nd half. Buffalo needs to find a way to get points and fast or this could get out of reach. Following Mad Max: He scored 21 last night, he’s got 2 so far tonight. Gotta involve the bigs…

Halftime - A good half of basketball and Akron leads 33-25 at the half. Akron shooting 55% from the field, and an even better 5-7 from 3. UB only shooting 38% from the field. To make matters worse the Bulls have gotten to the line 14 times, but they’re only shooting 57% on freebies… That’s not a championship effort. 20 of Akron’s 33 points are bench points thanks to 10 from Hitchens and 10 from Brett McKnight.

They’re playing great moments from the MAC Tournament on the jumbotron. First is OU’s last second win against UB in OT of the 2005 Championship game. Buffalo fans seem indifferent. Of course next up in the 2007 Championship where Penno banks in his miracle 3 against Akron. Akron fans boo… Loudly.

3:01 - 29-20 Akron leads. Looked like Buffalo was about to make it a game as they closed it to 4 on a 3-pointer. But Hitchens comes back down the court and hits a dagger from way beyond 3.

5:19 - 24-16 Akron leads. Buffalo has been outplayed overall so far, but they’re still keeping it close. Wow, these teams are both terrible from the FT line.

9:18 - UB works it inside, they get a bucket, they create a steal, and Robinson puts in a fastbreak layup. McKnight going to the line up 15-12.

9:58 - Roberts hits a 3 and Akron is up 15-8. UB really needs to bang inside, but they’re settling for jumpers that they haven’t been getting to go.

11:40 - 12-8 Akron leads… Just commenting on how both of these teams are pretty young, and should be very good next year. Akron loses Linhart and Conyers. Buffalo loses Gamble and Andy Robinson. Lots of talent coming back on both sides and tons of talent coming in across the league. This is good news for the MAC which had a bit of a down season this year.

14:23 - Akron leads 8-7. After I praised Hitchens he comes in hits a 3 and on the very next possession he comes up with a steal and a fastbreak layup. When you’re wrong a bunch you need to point it out like this when you’re right. 6 turnovers so far (4 by Buffalo) that’s what I meant when I called this game sloppy to start.

16:01 - Sloppy game so far. UB up 5-3. We have a Hitchens sighting, he just subbed in for McNees. Good news for Akron as he’s been a really valuable player for them this tournament.

20:00 - Does a 122 1/2 O/U for this seem too low? I’ve been off on these all week, but I’m taking the over.

Pregame - Well first of all, I’m an idiot. In the 30 seconds that I spent writing my final post last night I forgot about the 1986 Akron NCAA Tournament Team. I could complain about not having an editor on a blog, but really it’s just like I said, that I’m an idiot. That said I like Akron’s chances tonight. They’ve shot well all tournament and I expect them to take about 20 three’s tonight and to connect on more than 33% of them. If that happens I think it could be tough for Buffalo to keep up with their scoring.

That said, can UB beat Buffalo inside? Boudreau and Watt are both more skilled low post players than anyone on Akron. Can Chris McKnight use his strength to keep them out of the paint? Can Linhart stay out of foul trouble? That’s important for the Zips.

If Akron wins tonight they’re the lowest seed (as a 5 seed) to ever win the MAC tournament. Ohio University did it as a non-bye team in 2005, but that was as a #4 seed when Marshall was still in the MAC and only the top 3 seeds got byes.

Big thumbs down to whoever’s decision it was to put True Blue, UB’s student section in the second deck tonight–I’m told it’s up to that school’s athletic departments to decide how to use their ticket allotment–The AK Rowdies have seats in the lower deck behind the Akron bench. That’s the way it should be. Akron and Buffalo have two of the stronger student sections in the MAC, and it’s a shame to see the True Blue treated like second class citizens by their own athletic department (if that is in fact how tickets are appropriated).

Zippy says Akron is #1 as the Akron cheerleaders prepare before their game against Bowling Green.

Final - Linhart hits two more FTs and that’s it as BG misses a few shots and Akron runs it out. 63-55 Akron wins. Chris McKnight and Darryl Roberts both of whom were around for the Doug Penno heartbreaker game two years ago (unless I’m mistaken) both look very pleased. Should be a good one tomorrow between two teams who have never (unless I’m mistaken) been to the NCAAs.

0:23 - Linhart hits both, Miller gives it up and BG misses a shot, and the Zips are just about ready to stick a fork in this one. Apparently one of those FTs was Linhart’s 1,000th point.

0:33 - B McKnight hits both FTs, Miller follows with a crazy driving layup that goes, Linhart to the line. Zips 59-55

0:43 - C McKnight splits a pair at the line and Miller comes back with a 3 followed by an Orr timeout to set up the D. 57-53 Zips. The parade to the FT line won’t do it here. BG has to create a turnover.

1:06 - BG misses a desperation 3, Akron controls the rebound, but has issues with the trap. Akron coaches quickly ask for a timeout… They’re up with the ball 56-50. BG is going to need some steals here…

1:27 - Cvetinovic going to the line… Zips up 4.

2:02 - THE BANK IS OPEN! Miller with a 3. 53-50 McNees goes to the line.

2:18 - Miller misses on a drive, somehow comes up with a board after it’s smacked around and scores. Linhart airballs a floater, comes up with the rebound on the other end but gets blasted by his own teammate, causing him to trip and travel. BG ball, they’re down 53-47.

3:30 - McNees with a 3, Linhart with a floater! Akron up 53-45, BG having problems scoring again… They’re pulling away…

5:15 - Miller misses the front-end of a 1-1. I’m speechless. And then he makes a sweet reverse layup. 47-45 Zips lead.

5:34 - McKnight with a 3 and Roberts with a 12 footer the Zips are up 4 and Orr wants a time out. Alright, I’m done with puke reporting for the next 5 minutes, time to watch the end of this… Should be a good one.

7:30 - And some drunk guy courtside just blew chow on the floor near the tunnel. That’s a technical foul… (it’s not really a T)

7:57 - Brett McKnight gets fouled as he tries to lay one in, and it almost falls, but pops back out. Regardless he’ll be going to the line… Ha, Syracuse is going into overtime. I have my fingers crossed that this one goes 6 OTs too.

8:07 - Suddenly BG can’t miss as Clements hits one from NBA range as the shot clock winds down. Dambrot needs a timeout. BG fans give their team a standing O. They’re up 43-40.

8:56 - Akron fans sense that their team is in trouble and start to get loud… Very cool. Offensive foul on Akron kills their mojo.

9:07 - Someone besides Miller (Brian Moten) hits a 3! Then Scott Thomas gets fouled on the way to the hoop, and it falls. Chance to tie at 40 with the FT… Tied.

10:12 - If I’m BG I think about kicking up the defensive pressure. With Hitchens out for this one I’m not sure if McNees and Roberts could handle the pressure.

11:22 - Nate Miller is on fire. He’s hitting 3’s, he’s tossing in 10 footers as he falls to the floor. He has 15 points (13 this half) and he’s the only reason BG is still in this as Akron leads 38-32.

14:15 - McNees hits a no, no, no, YES! 3. Miller answers it. 33-27 Akron leads.

15:28 - Brett McKnight should be able to blast by Otis Polk off the dribble. He fails to recognize the mismatch and badly misses a jumper. Akron’s up 30-24. BG still having trouble hitting shots, but they’re showing signs of life.

18:30 - Nate Miller with 5 quick points and BG is only down 6, 28-22. The Zips with a quick timeout and the assistants are NOT happy with their player’s efforts based on some fiery body language.

20:00 - Just noticed Chris McKnight with 10 boards already, that’s huge.

Halftime - 28-17 Akron leads at the half. That resounding thud you hear is the shooting of the Bowling Green Falcons. They’re 5-25 from the field and really haven’t built any momentum at all in the first half. Of course if you’re Akron right now you’re probably a little disappointed that you’re only up 11 with the way that BG has looked out there.

0:10 - 28-17 Akron leads, as Dambrot calls a TO to talk about the final shot.

3:09 - Awful foul on Cventinovic who slides under Jakubowski 30 feet from the hoop for a block. Now BG who’s shooting 20% from the floor gets FTs. 21-15

3:47 - Akron leads 19-13 and they’ll have the ball when we come back. BG is shooting 20%. They’re probably lucky that they’re only down 6. For what it’s worth Akron definitely wins the battle of the cheerleaders, dance teams, and bands. No contest on all 3.

7:51 - 16-11 Zips. Akron starting to heat up from the floor, they’re shooting about 41%. BG is shooting 21%. Nate Miller has been invisible so far scoring 2 points on 1-4 shooting and a missed FT.

8:04 - After blowing an open layup 2 minutes ago Polk gets fouled and hits one. Akron 14-11 after Polk misses the freebie.

10:28 - Akron up 10-9. BG not shooting well from distance, they’re 0-5.

11:31 - Akron leads 10-6. Update on our pregame keys… Akron 2-6 from 3 and Nate Miller has done little with just 2 points so far… Really BG has been fouled shooting a 3 twice already?

13:51 - Remember how cold Akron came out last night, and they trailed Miami for most of the first half? Well they’re just as cold tonight, but they’re still winning 7-5.

15:21 - So everyone’s Mom has told them if they don’t have anything nice to say not to say anything at all, right? Well please notice how I’m not saying anything about the BG Dance Team.

15:22 - BG getting into their offense a little better now and we’ll go to the timeout with Akron up 7-4. Miller has 1 coming at the line when we get back. BG 2-8 shooting and Akron 3-7 shooting so far. Combined both teams are 1-6 from 3 so far.

16:45 - Tons of missed shots so far and Akron’s up 4-0. Not wanting to see this offensive effort continue, Orr asks for a TO.

20:00 - Pretty decent contingents from both crowds here tonight. Still, I don’t think you’ll be seeing any attendance records coming down this year.

Pregame - Gotta expect that this is going to be a close, good game. Nate Miller played like a beast against OU last night, can he come up with a similar performance tonight? Akron shot 50% on 24 3 pointers. Can they put together another shooting performance like that? We’ll see…

Buffalo's Rodney Pierce inbounds the ball early in the game.

Final - 64-52 Buffalo. Remember when I said the line for this was too high? Yeah, me too..

0:20 - This one’s basically academic. Max Boudreau definitely has my vote for the All-Tournament Team after this one.

0:45 - UB keeps splitting pairs. They’re up 11.

0:54 - 61-52 UB with Boudreau headed to the line. My BSU +7 1/2 prediction looks cooked.

1:29 - Frazier hits a pair from the line and eventually BSU fouls Andy Robinson after a couple of trap tries. He misses the first… hits the second. UB up 60-52.

2:20 - Boyer misses a pair from the line. BSU can’t make them pay, turning it over, Boudreau with a dunk on the runout, UB up 9.

2:27 - Frazier laces a 3 and an immediate BSU TO to set up the press. Ball State down 7… they could still come back here… UB gets it in but immediately has nowhere to go and they take a 30.

2:51 - This is turning into a parade to the FT line, neither team looking excellent from there, UB up 57-47.

3:23 - We finally got some stats… UB leading in rebounds 30-18. UB getting a ton of points from their bench (thanks to Boudreau) and they’re winning the bench scoring battle 25-5.

3:29 - Buffalo not ready for the BSU fullcourt pressure and they immediately turn it back over after a Lampley bank shot. Gamble gets away with a carry, but then the delayed trap cuts them off guard and Ball State has 2 shots from the line coming. 54-45 UB lead.

4:56 - 2 possessions in a row UB works the shot clock down, gets in trouble, and hits an off-balanced shot (banking the most recent one in) to build their lead. 54-41.

5:45 - Perry just fouled out jostling for position on the offensive end (let them play!). 52-40 UB

7:38 - 47-38 Buffalo. Looks like the Bulls are starting to pull away…

9:19 - UB up 45-38. Boudreau on the bench with 3 fouls (and 15 points).

11:09 - Boudreau keeps answering. He hits a turnaround 6 footer as he’s fouled. UB up 42-36 and Boudreau has one coming from the line when we come back. He looks like the best player on the court tonight.

12:36 - BSU with 4 quick fast break points and they’ve cut it to 38-34. UB gets it into the front court and asks for a 30. This one could get interesting if Ball State can keep the pressure on this time.

14:23 - Boudreau gets a rebound and banks it in to put the Bulls up 38-30. Billy Taylor asks for a needed time out.

15:25 - More of the same from the 1st half. Ball State cuts the lead to 1, Buffalo quickly asserts themselves on both ends and it’s now 35-30 UB.

Halftime - UB leads 29-25 at the half. Apparently I lied in my last update (teaches me to make up stats). Ball State is still shooting better than 50% (52.4%), they just haven’t gotten a lot of shots up, 21 versus Buffalo’s 27. The difference here is second chance points… UB is +5 in rebounds and is leading 6-0 in 2nd chance points. Ball State really needs to get more out of Jones in the second half. Back to shooting percentage, the fact that the Cardinals are shooting better than 50% but are still down 4 at the half makes me worried about my pregame Ball State +7 1/2 prediction. It’s not likely in this year’s MAC to see a team shoot that efficiently from the field for 2 halves.

1:13 - Buffalo leads 29-23. No stats yet, but it looks like BSU has cooled considerably from the field. They’re probably around 40% shooting right now.

3:52 - 27-23 Buffalo still leads. Every time Ball State tries to close it up and take control UB answers with points. Could be interesting to see what happens when both teams inevitably cool from the field (they’re both currently shooting over 50%).

7:34 - 22-19 Buffalo leads. Boudreau has taken Jarrod Jones to school a couple of times and has put 6 points on the board so far. Giles is leading all scorers with 10. Both teams shooting over 50% so far.

11:38 - 14-13 UB leads. The difference so far is ball movement versus not. Buffalo with 5 assists and Ball State with none.

12:49 - Buffalo with a quick 6-0 run and they’re leading 12-11. BSU calls a TO to regroup. The crowd’s looking pretty thin early here at the Q…

15:04 - Ball State comes out quickly and takes an 11-6 lead on the strength of 5 points from Rob Giles, and only one missed shot from the field so far. It should be a lot of fun to watch freshmen big men Jarrod Jones and Mitchell Watt match-up tonight. Jones is probably the more polished of the two, but Watt is definitely skilled. Hopefully this isn’t one of those games with 1,000 whistles and both guys can stay on the floor.

Pregame - Buffalo is the lower seed here tonight, but Ball State is a 7 1/2 point underdog. Is that too big of a line for two teams who aren’t really offensive juggernauts? I say yes. Two very solid bands here tonight… I’m liking the early atmosphere… plus Akron plays in the late game, and Akron or Kent State (Ohio probably gets an honorable mention here) are probably the best schools for overall atmosphere here at the Q historically, especially in the Friday night games.

Miami's Adam "Teen Wolf" Fletcher and Akron's Chris McKnight prepare for the opening tip-off.

Final - 73-63 Akron will take on BG in the semis. We’ll see you tomorrow.

0:35 - 71- 63, one Akron fan behind us takes McNees to task for not picking up the pressure fullcourt and another Akron fan calls him ignorant and they have a little argument where the yeller gets a pom pom waved in his face by the woman arguing with him everytime he tries to make a point. Fun times!

0:48.1 - 68-60 and Akron heading to the line

1:06 - 64-57 and Akron’s heading to the line. They’re about to ice this.

3:19 - Still 64-55. Miami’s going to need to score a lot of point in a little amount of time, something they’re not known for being able to do really well. Akron with 30 bench points, largely thanks to McNees. Also they’re shooting 12-24 from beyond the arc. Hard to overcome that.

4:23 - 64-55 Akron. Remember my previous post about Miami slowing the Zips down? They can’t do it.

7:51 - 55-49 Akron. The second half of this game is NOT being played at Miami’s pace. If they can’t slow down the Zips scoring they’ll be in big trouble.

9:48 - 52-46 Akron. The RedHawks are having some trouble scoring points.

11:07 - 47-43 Akron

12:04 - Akron on a mini-run takes it up to 47-41 on the strength of their defense. A steal leads to a fastbreak layup, another steal leads to a fastbreak dunk.

14:26 - Miami ties it back at 39…

16:12 - Akron out of the locker room with some shooting touch. They’re up 39-35.

18:26 - McKnight with a quick bucket and Linhart with a 3. Akron leads 36-34.

Halftime - Miami gets off a 3, but it doesn’t go and the score is Miami 32-31 at the half. Charlie Coles can’t be happy with the way the RedHawks have let the Zips get back into this (and if you weren’t sure how happy or unhappy he was all you need to do was see the scowl that was on his face for the last 6 minutes of game time).

0:25 - McNees with a crazy scoop layup that goes. Akron down 1, Miami takes a timeout to set something up for the last possession.

0:52.9 - 32-29 Miami, the Zips fans are starting to get excited as Akron is showing signs of life. With the ball they could tie it up on this trip.

2:00 - McNees gets open for another 3, but Winbush answers Miami lead 32-29.

2:43 - McNees with another 3 after a pair of Conyers FTs, a foul on Fletcher under the hoop as the 3 goes through and Akron turns it into a 4 point play 27-24.

3:36 - McNees hits a 3 and Chris McKnight draws a charge on Dierkers. Akron is down 27-18. They need to start shooting consistently if they want to try to cut this to about 5 before the half.

6:37 - Linhart with two fouls. 12 total fouls already, this one could turn into a parade to the FT line.

7:50 - 22-13 Miami. MAC POTY Bramos with 9 early points.

10:02 - 20-12 Miami leads. Miami shooting 42%, Akron shooting 25%. Also, it’s impossible to put into words how much of a complex the Akron fans have with the refs. The fact that they’ve been called for 5 fouls and Miami has only been called for 3 is like a crime against humanity to these guys.

15:22 - There’s an Akron fan behind us (maybe a player’s dad?) who’s yelled the phrase “Integrity of the game” about 35 times so far. The Zips faithful seem to have a major problem with the refs. Let me point out that there have been 2 fouls called on each team so far (apparently their major beef is about missed traveling calls… yeah, that’s what has Akron shooting 0-9 from the field to start off.)

16:19 - Miami leads 9-1 early… it’d be more if Miami would have converted on a couple of open shots.

Pregame - So far all the top seeds have advanced. Akron is going to need to play much better than they did against Toledo Tuesday night if they want to stop that trend against the RedHawks.

Tillman and Polk prepare for the opening tip as #1 Bowling Green takes on #9 Ohio.

Final - 74-61 final.

3:18 - 62-45 BG. I’m done until the end of this.

5:08 - 59-45 BG leads. Like I said earlier Ohio is cooked. BG’s going to be a tough out in this tournament. Not only does Nate Miller look like he’s out to prove a point about POTY, but they’re getting production spread around across the rest of their roster. They’ll be a tough out in this tournament.

7:49 - 52-41 BG lead. Everytime OU shows some signs of life it’s half-hearted… Like Jerome Tillman gets an and-one opportunity but bricks the FT. Nate Miller still putting on a show with 22 points. BG shooting 57% vs OU’s 37%… there’s your difference.

11:07 - Name that tune… Surfin’ Bird by the Trashmen!!! Where’s Peter Griffin when you need him!?!?! (48-35 BG)

11:30 - Just as OU starts to show signs of life they lose Scott Thomas and he converts a 3 point play when Tommy Freeman tries to recover to him too late. 48-35 BG.

13:23 - 45-32 BG. OU still missing tons of makeable shots.

15:47 - Still 45-30. OU looks cooked.

16:39 - 45-30 Marschall with two E-A-S-Y looks from about a foot away. Gross calls a quick TO. This one is slipping away.

17:26 - 41-30 BG. It’s still the Nate Miller show, he has 20 points so far.

Halftime - Dobbs gets a beautiful floater that goes halfway down before popping back out and BG gets back down court with 10 seconds left and laces an NBA three to go up 35-27 at the half. That really took the air out of the Bobcats who had just cut it to 5. If Ohio wants to compete in this they’ve gotta hit some shots in the second half, they’re shooting percentage so far has been horid.

1:33 - Pretty finishes by Washington and Coleman OU down 32-24.

3:53 - OU shooting 6-21, BG shooting 11-19. There’s your 10 point difference.

3:53 - Wait, it’s the 110, I hear them! Oh… it’s canned music. That’s right, they’re playing canned OU Pep Band music (Stand Up and Cheer). What a joke.

4:04 - BG goes up 28-18 and OU takes a timeout. Bowling Green looks like the better team right now. They’re getting to the hoop, getting open shots and forcing the Bobcats into bad decisions and contested shots.

7:45 - BG up 14-10. The only scoring since the last update was a 3-pointer by, you guessed it, Nate Miller. He has 12 of BG’s 14. OU really has to put that guy in shackles, no reason for him to be getting this many open looks. Also, I pointed out earlier today that Nate Miller’s POTY snub could be trouble for OU. So far it looks like he came out with something to prove. OU is just 3-15 shooting… that’s not gonna do it.

11:37 - BG up 11-10. OU still having trouble converting inside 5 feet, and Nate Miller is absolutely killing the Bobcats with most of BG’s points. OU has to stop Miller if they hope to stay with the Falcons this time out (BG won both games against Ohio so far this season.)

15:41 - 6-4 BG lead. Ohio having trouble converting from inside 3 feet early.

Pregame - Bowling Green’s band is gonna need a long set list for this one. As discussed earlier the Ohio band didn’t make the trip. We’re about a minute away from tip off.

Kent State & Buffalo players prepare for tip-off in their MAC Tournament Quarterfinal match.

Final - Buffalo wins 65-62. In this blogger’s opinion that was some poor play calling down the stretch by Geno Ford down the stretch, I don’t know how you don’t involve Mincy more in those last possessions.

0:05.7 - Terrible inbounds play by Geno Ford there. For some strange reason they had Mincy triggering it in, and when nobody was open he passed it into a corner and the Buffalo defender spiked it off the Kent player as he fell out of bounds.

0:07.5 - Fisher brings the ball up. Why not Mincy???? Kent is very disjointed on offense and Geno calls a timeout. Look for a Mincy drive, kickout to Fisher for a 3 to put it into OT here.

0:22 - Kent tries for a couple of steals then fouls… Good call to extend the game with the way UB has been from the stripe… and Gamble clanks the first one off the rim… laces the 2nd 3 point game.

0:40 - Mincy dishes to Simpson who can’t finish, but who gets the rebound? Mincy! He gets fouled and is going to the line.

0:50 - For some reason Kent immediately fouls Andy Robinson, though he (of course) splits the pair. Kent down 4 with the ball.

0:51 - Mincy again, this time driving and kicking to Simpson who lays it in. Kent ALMOST steals it and UB calls a panic TO.

1:13 - Finally they beat the traps, find a wide open Boudreau and he gets fouled on the way up and hits both.

1:22 - Kent State more defensive pressure almost steal twice, knock it out, UB can’t get into their offense.

1:28 - 61-58 UB. Kent State puts a trap on just over midcourt and the Bulls are forced to call a TO. They’ll have 22 to shoot.

1:55 - Mincy spinning, driving, layup… Then he fouls Gamble coming up the court. UB 14-24 at the line, but Gamble hits both. Still ugly. Mincy makes a fast, pretty drive again. It’s 61-58 with 1:41 left.

2:08 - After a TO, Mincy gets bumped taking a runner, no call, but it’s still KSU ball. Fisher gets a clear shot at the hoop after a pretty move, but misses the runner badly. Boudreau hits a turnaround at the other end. Pretty! and UB is up 59-54.

3:21 - Betts splits them but the board is backtapped and UB controls it up 3.

3:22 - KSU with a turnover. UB gets to the hoop but can’t convert. Fisher gets to the hoop but he can’t convert. Touch foul called on the rebound, now Sullinger’s done too and UB should be shooting up 2 already.

3:57 - Told you… 1 of 2, 56-54 UB.

3:58 - 55-54 UB. It looks like Fisher just got his fourth foul and Buffalo will be going to the line (where they’re sure to split the pair) when we come back.

4:37 - 54-53 UB a back and forth game and Singletary just fouled out. UB should be going to the line for 2 when this one resumes.

7:02 - 51-50 Kent thanks largely to Fisher who I openly ripped in the first half. He’s definitely heating up and just bailed Kent out with an NBA distance 3 with the shot clock winding down.

8:51 - Kent up 48-45. Sullinger and Singletary both with 4 fouls, could be trouble for Kent.

10:33 - UB is 6-12 at the line. That’s a problem. 46-43 Kent leads.

11:40 - Al Fisher sighting, he gets to the hoop, gets fouled and hits the bucket. Kent by 1, FT coming after the TO. Name that Tune again, and this time they’re using canned music. It’s “Please Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna and the only words that are played in the 30 second clip are “Please don’t stop the music.” Seriously if people don’t guess these songs right based on what they’ve heard in the first two they should be showered with choruses of boos. Also how do they pick people for these? So far 4 contests and 1 fan has had a Michigan State shirt and another a UConn shirt. Way to pick the MAC fans outta the crowd…

11:44 - Buffalo hits a tough turnaround jumper to go up 1 and make me eat my words.

13:31 - 42-39 Kent as Betts misses two freebies. This is not looking good for the Bulls, it’s just 3 points, but it seems like a lot more right now.

15:17 - Still 37-36. I gotta say the Kent State dance team’s blue weird vinyl like dresses are a huge improvement over the weird pant-suit like things from past years.

15:50 - 37-36 Kent. The Flashes are clearly in control of this one as Buffalo is having a lot of trouble finding ways to score. Kent’s bench has scored 19 points. That’s a big difference.

18:51 - 34-30 UB. The Kent fans behind me want me to report on the one-sided officiating in this. The fouls were 9-8 at the half, so obviously I disagree. Should I offer them a towel?

20:00 Second Half - This just in, the MAC has revoked Al Fisher’s 2008 POTY award. Ok, obviously I made this up.

Halftime - 31-30 UB. Buffalo has to be a little disappointed that they were up 10 with 4 minutes left and let Kent all the way back into this one. Al Fisher is 0-4 and had a nice seat on the bench during Kent’s run to close the half. Kent State got back in it because they made an effort to start getting good shots and you can see that in the stats with a 12-6 KSU lead in points in the paint. UB ran out to a sizable lead on open jumpers, but cooled off as the half wore on. They need to find a way to consistently score if they’re going to stay in this.

0:21 - 31-30 Buffalo, Kent on an 11-2 run. The refs totally miss a Kent player being thrown to the floor on the rebound and Buffalo calls a timeout to collect themselves for the final shot.

1:01 - UB up 2, things not going well for them as Kent commits a blocking foul 35 feet from the hoop but Buffalo misses the front end of the 1-1 and send Brandon Parks to the line with a foul on the rebound.

2:56 - 31-26 Buffalo. Kent has finally started getting some good looks and they’ve gone on a little run here. Kent is 2-8 from 3, UB is 5-6. That’s because the 3’s that Buffalo has taken have been on good ball movement. Most of Kent’s have been bad shots being jacked up.

4:39 - Lots of fouls, traveling and slop play. 29-19 UB lead.

7:24 - 22-15 UB. It’s time for trivia, and they’re smartly doing it with a Buffalo fan… What is?…

8:41 - Kent is getting frustrated with the UB defensive pressure–they’re picking up about 30 feet out– and launching bad jumpers. Not a good attack plan, Geno needs a timeout but he’s not taking one.

9:51 - Buffalo still up 22-13. They’re shooting 64% to Kent’s 33%, that’s the difference. Though the Kent fans sitting 2 feet behind me are yelling in my ear at an 100% annoyance, so they’ve got that going for them… which is nice.

11:15 - 22-13 Buffalo leads. The Bulls are making Kent State pay when they gamble for steals and leave anyone an open shot. Will be interesting to see if Buffalo can keep shooting at this high of a clip.

13:56 - Buffalo up 17-8. This is just so much of a faster paced game than the last one, it’s like watching a different sport almost.

15:57 - This game is off to a much faster start with Buffalo up 12-5 already. My gentleman’s bet with J. Scott Fitzwater of MAC Report Online that some team will score higher than 66 1/2 today is already looking good.

Pregame - Pretty strong Kent State contingent here. They’re right behind me and they’re loud (and slightly annoying). These bands are pathetic vs. Ball State from last game, I’m already disappointed.

The Ohio band was noticeably absent from Thursday's MAC Tournament Quarterfinal game against BG.

Alright, time for me to take off my MAC hat, and put on my OU Alum hat for 5 minutes…

The Ohio University Band is always one of the bright spots of the week in Cleveland. They always sound superb and are very entertaining. They (along with the OU dance team who are also great at what they do) are often the talk of press row and the staff here at the Q who is here for about 10 hours of 4 games, and 8 sets of cheerleaders, dance teams and bands.

Ohio University’s band won’t be here today, or for any of the tournament. Apparently this decision was made due to a midseason budget cut and OU President Roderick McDavis’s refusal to cover the expenses of the band. I realize that the economy is in bad shape and that businesses, universities, and organizations across the country are tightening the belt wherever possible. Still, this really isn’t acceptable for a couple of reasons.

The OU band does a fantastic job representing the university. As I already mentioned, they get a lot of good buzz from the everyone at the Q for these games. The old saying is, “You can’t put a price on good publicity.” Really that’s not true. I work in marketing and I can tell you that you can put a price on good pub, because it’s my (real) job to measure that type of stuff. If OU’s band being here sways 1 or 2 young instrument players who might be in the crowd today to attend Ohio University does that outweigh the cost of getting the band up here for the university? I say it does.

It’s really unfair to the students in the band who work their butts off supporting the team, representing the university, and entertaining crowds to have this trip pulled on them with 24 hours notice. Not only do they deserve to travel to Cleveland to root for the team that they’ve been supporting all season, but if this decision was made at the beginning of the year, maybe students could have raised the money to make the trip, much like the OU Dance Team did.

It takes away from the game atmosphere to not have the band here. On Tuesday no bands made the trip to Cleveland and according to my counterparts the atmosphere in the Q really lacked. During the first game when the Ball State band was rocking out (they were very good) it was noticable, and enjoyable. A smattering of early quotes that I’ve heard from others on press row who are OU alums and those in the MAC office include, “It’s pathetic,” “Unacceptable,” and “Furious.”

Really, it is pathetic that President McDavis wouldn’t cough up the funds to get the band to Cleveland, and if I run into him at any Bobcat pregame festivities in Cleveland you can be sure that I’ll tell him exactly that. He can add this notch to his belt when he’s counting the reasons why he has been a less than successful President during his almost 5 year tenure at OU.

Dan Whitmyer is the head basketball writer at VanDelay Sports (and a proud Ohio University grad). He can be reached at dwhit@vandelay-sports.com