While most would still consider Miami to be Ohio's biggest rival, the bitter feelings with Akron have been heating up the last few years. Close games and the Hipsher family have contributed to the rivalry and last Saturday was another installment.
The Hipsher family consists of coach Dan Hipsher and guard Andy Hipsher. Two years ago Andy gave an unflattering gesture to the O-Zone after hitting a game-winning jumper, and that got the gears turning on the rivalry.
Last year featured two classic games between the teams. Ohio won in Athens in a four overtime classic. Ohio then ended the Zip's season at Akron in the first round of the MAC tournament.
The Zips extracted some revenge with a victory at Akron earlier in the season. That set up Saturday's game between the two teams.
Ohio won a close game, 83-79, a contest that went nearly 30 minutes with neither team holding a lead larger then four points.
There was almost no separation (between the teams) last year and again this year
Coach Hipsher said.
The crowd enjoyed yelling at Andy, a senior, for probably the last time. They also found delight in coach Hipsher getting charged with a technical foul in the second half.
The crowd found yet another Hipsher to direct chants at on Saturday. In the second half, cheers of Granny Hipsher rang down from the crowd. They were directed at grandmother Hipsher, who was sitting behind the Akron bench. Unfazed by the attention, she got up and pumped her fist in the air.
The fans love the Hipshers said Ohio guard Jaivon Harris. They were even shouting their grandmother out.
Center has impact
Ohio center Clay McGowen made an impact in the win over Akron. McGowen was a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and finished with 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocked shots and a steal.
Clay McGowen really gave us a big lift Ohio coach Tim O'Shea said. Offensively and defensively
it was one of his best games of the year.
Home and away
Ohio trailed at halftime for the sixth straight game Saturday. Ohio came back to win four of those games and has won five games this year when trailing at the half.
With a record of 7-3 in Athens, Ohio is assured of a winning record on its home court. Ohio has had only two losing seasons at home since The Convo opened in 1969 and has won 44 of its last 59 at home.
The Bobcats are 88-80 all-time against tonight's opponent, Miami. However, they stand at 33-55 when they travel to Oxford.
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Kevin Wiseman
