The MAC on the MAAC

Akron's men's basketball team played both Canisius and Niagara in its non-conference schedule this year, pitting the MAC against the MAAC.

While the Zips went 2-0 in those games, coach Keith Dambrot handicapped both leagues after a 63-59 win at Niagara Wednesday.

"They're different leagues," Dambrot said. "Ours is a grind-it-out, tough man league where if you don't play great defense and are good in the half court, you have no chance. [The MAAC] is a bit loosey-goosey and they are better offensively and have better athletes. I think it's a really good league."

--- Amy Moritz

Comments

[Franco]

The MAAC's ratings have been constantly dragged down by St Peters and Canisius; and embarrassed by Loyola. Maybe there is some hope for the Griffs, however the St Peter's program is a big drag. If St Peters does not want to support basketball at the MAAC level, drop down to the Northeast Conference or drop out of D1. Loyola with Jimmy Patsos as coach is just dragging down the MAAC's reputation. Patsos' coaching against Davidson was a downright disgrace.

If anything drags down the MAC, it is the horrific referreeing.

[Don H]

The MAC is generally rated higher than the MAAC by most basketball observers. A good Siena team helps the MAAC ratings this year, but other MAAC teams are much less talented than Siena.