The University of Akron men's basketball team opens the 2007 regular season in the first round of the BP Top of the World Classic against South Carolina Upstate in Fairbanks, Alaska Friday night. At tip-off, 251 days will have elapsed since the Zips' 2006 season came to a screeching halt last March.
Cedrick Middleton's offseason started at the free-throw line at Quicken Loans Arena in front of a national audience. Middleton walked to the foul line with 12 seconds left in the game and the Zips ahead two points in the Mid-American Conference tournament championship game.
The Mid-American Conference was not kind to the University of Akron women's basketball team last season. The Zips were 3-13 in conference play, placing them last in the MAC standings. Head coach Jodi Kest sees only improvement for her team in the 2007-2008 season.
Midterm exam - Zips History 101 Multiple choice: What is to blame for Akron missing the 2006 postseason? A) Cedrick Middleton's blown free-throw against Miami B) A weak schedule C) A two-point loss in the season opener against Arkansas-Little Rock D) All of the above It's easy to blame a cupcake schedule and freakish loss in the MAC Championship.