Akron Zips' Toughest Stretch of Non-Conference Schedule

By Trevor Lowry
Akron Zips
Eric P. Mull-USA TODAY Sports

The Akron Zips will not have a strength of schedule quite like the Kansas Jayhawks, but that is okay. They will still play some good teams. With that in mind, what will be their toughest stretch in their non-conference schedule?

Akron will play Saint Mary’s and Middle Tennessee in back-to-back games. Not to mention, both will be played on the road for the Zips. These are not the only two tough games on the schedule, but playing both Middle Tennessee and Saint Mary’s on the road in back-to-backs would be a challenge for most teams.

The Zips made the dance last season and it would be awesome to see them do it once again, especially since this team has not even danced five times in their history.

Middle Tennessee and Saint Mary’s were both tourney teams last season. Will that be the case in the 2013-14 college basketball season? Who knows, but both will still have some talent.

The Zips will be without their leading scorer in the upcoming season. Zeke Marshall will be missed not only for his scoring, but his rebounding ability and shot-blocking skills as well. Marshall was a beast in both departments last year.

Still, the team will have to move on and at least second leading scorer Demetrius Treadwell will be back. He averaged 11.5 points per game and 7.9 rebounds per game last season.

The non-conference schedule for the Zips does not see any powerhouses or anything like that, but they will still meet up against some tough competition and playing the Gaels and Blue Raiders will be by far the toughest stretch.

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