University of Akron basketball: Zips embark on NBA-like schedule for the week

The University of Akron men’s basketball team is about the play catch up with a schedule that features an NBA-like three games in a week.

Dates with Bowling Green (Tuesday), Central Michigan (Thursday) and Western Michigan (Saturday) await the Zips this week.

Bowling Green (10-3, 6-1) currently sits atop the Mid-American Conference – tied with Toledo - representing a difficult way to start the week. The game is on the road to boot, where the Zips are winless so far. It possibly sets the tone for the rest of the week.

After breaking a two-game losing streak, UA goes into Bowling Green with a dollop of momentum after beating the conference co-leading Rockets in overtime in game that could go a long way toward propelling the Zips (5-3, 3-2 in MAC) toward success.

“Every game, win or lose, counts as one game in the standings,” UA coach John Groce said, “and that takes a real maturity level.”

In other words, everything must be kept in perspective and the Zips are still working on that aspect of their team.

“I don’t know if we’ve quite gotten that yet,” Groce said. “I think that whole concept of you can’t get too high or can’t get too low. Our team’s got to develop that mentally.”

Thursday’s game is at home and Saturday UA hits the road again.

The Rockets came in unbeaten in the MAC and sitting atop the conference and, much like this past Saturday, the Zips will be challenged against the Falcons.

“I think there’s a respect level you should have for every game,” Groce said, “but when you’re playing against a team of that caliber, they’ve got our guys’ attention. We’ve shown them film.”

Groce compares this year’s BG team to his team from last year – very experienced and balanced in that they play well on both ends of the court.

They rank No. 1 in the conference defensively and No. 4 offensively.  With respect to leadership, there was probably much rejoicing when guard Justin Turner returned to the Falcons for his final season. Considering the 21.7 points and 5.3 assists per game he averages, it’s merited.Then there’s all of the experience Turner has amassed.

“He’s a great closer,” Groce said. “End of game, he’s got ice water in his veins.”

Groce has especially taken note of the way Turner has improved as a passer. Last year, he averaged 2.8 assists per game. By no means is Turner all there is to the Falcons. He’s one of five BG players who average eight points or more per game.

The Falcons are just the first game in a busy week, which presents issues given the number of games.

“The biggest thing I’m trying to do is manage the mental and physical treatment of their bodies during this stretch and not overwork them on the days that I can control,” Groce said.

Two games doesn't represent a significant sample size, but in losing to two of the conference’s worst teams on the road, playing away from Rhodes Arena could prove an issue for the Zips. Although the loss against Eastern Michigan was troubling and the other to Northern Illinois boiled down to dropping a competitive basketball game, it still wasn’t a good look.

“I didn’t like our maturity level in what I saw when we went on the road our first week,” Groce said.

He has a good idea what he wants to see from his team in that regard.

“We have to find ways to be consistent with our approach. Find ways to dig out possessions. Be tougher, I think,” he said. “Be aggressive on the road. That’s really important."

Akron at Bowling Green

Time: 7 p.m. Tuesday

TV/Radio: ESPN+/WHLO (640-AM)