Akron Basketball: 3 keys to Zips Round of 64 matchup with UCLA Bruins
By Bryan Mauro
![Akron head coach John Groce, center, draws up a play during a time out against Northern Illinois in the second half of their game at University of Akron James A. Rhodes Arena on Tuesday Feb. 16, 20201. Akron beat Northern Illinois 81 to 76. [Mike Cardew/Beacon Journal]Uahoops 13](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fba08ce3a5d629e36c29424823b5fd7820e725fa486544fe536ea8f95c1df46d5.jpg "Akron head coach John Groce, center, draws up a play during a time out against Northern Illinois in the second half of their game at University of Akron James A. Rhodes Arena on Tuesday Feb. 16, 20201. Akron beat Northern Illinois 81 to 76. [Mike Cardew/Beacon Journal]Uahoops 13")
Control the Tempo
I have mentioned it before but I will say it again. This is likely going to be a huge factor in this game as well. Akron plays at one of the slowest paces in the country. They only average 53 shots per game on offense and only allow about 55 shots on the defensive end. When Akron plays at this pace they are one of the most efficient teams in the country.
It doesn’t matter how many shots you take if the shots are all quality shots within the offense. That is what Akron does: they are deliberate on offense, run shot clocks down, and get the most effective shot that they usually make.
UCLA also doesn’t play overly fast but they will try and speed Akron up to get them uncomfortable and if Akron lets them do that, especially on the defensive end it could be a long night for the Zips. One other thing that UCLA is going to try and do which is a signature of many Mick Cronin-coached teams is to muck up the game and start forcing turnovers which lead to easy transition baskets. Akron rarely ever turns the ball over and they need to continue to control the ball and their possessions for them to have a chance to win the game
Akron is going to want to keep this game in the low mid 60’s for their offense to have a chance. UCLA has far more firepower on that end than Akron does and we have seen a low possession, ball control, efficient offense make a huge run in this tournament especially if it is working as it is designed.
Akron has bought into coach John Groce and his philosophies and they need to continue to run their stuff even when UCLA may not let them. They shoot 54% from inside the arc and 36% outside the arc. Do what got you here and shots will fall.