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NIT Preview: Akron @ Creighton

After knocking off Temple in Philadelphia in the Opening Round of the NIT and the loss by Miami at Butler, Akron is the lone MAC team left in the NIT. Aided by Darryl Peterson’s 17 points and 7 rebounds, the Zips knocked off the Owls 80-73. However, NCAA Tournament snub Creighton (19-9) will be an undoubtly tougher assignment for Akron on Thursday night.

#2 Creighton vs. #8 Akron

Creighton will come into the NIT with a very balanced attack. Led by guard Johnny Mathies (13 points per game) and forward Anthony Tolliver (13 points, 6.6 rebounds per game) the Jays only have two players averaging double figures. In a defensive heavy conference, Creighton struggles to put points on the board at times. Creighton plays stifling defense allowing only three opponents to score 70 or more points in a game this season.

Creighton’s Keys to the Game

1. Defense, defense, defense
2. Attack the basket
3. Stay Balanced
   

The key match up will undoubtly be Darryl Peterson vs. Romeo Travis. Travis scored 14 points on only eight shots in an Opening Round win against Temple. For Akron to have a chance to pull off the upset, Travis needs to have a very good all around game.

Akron’s Keys to the Game

1. Romeo, Romeo, where art though?
2. Shut down Mathies and Tolliver
3. Quiet the crowd
   

Akron will go into the game against Creighton as the underdogs. Creighton is one of the toughest places to play in the Missouri Valley Conference, and the Jays only lost 1 home game all year. To come out with a win Akron needs to get a lead early to take the crowd out of the game. Akron can score with almost anyone in the country, however Creighton is known for their defense. Similar to the Temple game, if Akron can put up at least 70 points, they will probably come out with a win.

Final Thoughts
Creighton only has three players averaging more then 9 points per game. If Akron can make somebody other then Mathies and Tolliver beat them, Creighton won’t be able to score enough to get the win. I think Creighton does what Temple could not, and they make Akron play their type of game.

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