GAME NOTES: East Division rivals collide this afternoon at the Anderson Arena, as the Bowling Green Falcons will host the Akron Zips in a pivotal Mid- American Conference showdown. The Zips were flying through the season until a few weeks ago when they hit a bit of a rough patch. Akron has lost four of its last seven games, including an 88-78 setback to Northern Illinois this past Tuesday. The current skid has dropped Akron to a mediocre 7-4 in league action, which places the team in a tie with Ohio for second place in the division. As for the Falcons, they have lost three of their last four games, including a tough, 78-68 loss to Eastern Michigan this past Wednesday. At 6-5 in MAC action BGSU is one game behind Ohio and Akron, and is currently tied with Miami-Ohio. The Falcons have had some success at home, posting a 7-4 mark at the Anderson Arena. The Falcons might lead the all-time series by a 23-16 margin, but the Zips have won the last six meetings with BGSU, including a convincing, 80-44 win just last month.

Throughout the season the Zips have been outstanding at the defensive end of the court, limiting opponents to just 64.6 ppg. However, this past Tuesday the team was shell-shocked by Northern Illinois, as the Huskies dropped 88 points on the Zips. It was the most points allowed by Akron all season and just the second time a team scored over 80 points against the Zips. On the brighter side of things, the Zips were able to score 78 points without their leading scorer, Jeremiah Wood on the court. Wood, who is averaging 13.4 ppg and 7.8 rpg, suffered a knee injury and has missed the last two matchups. With Wood sidelined, Nick Dials (12.7 ppg) stepped up his play by leading the way with 17 points. Nate Linhart added 15 points for Akron, while Chris McKnight chipped in 11 points.

The only reason Bowling Green has kept pace in the division race is because of its defensive play, as the squad is surrendering 66.7 ppg. Unfortunately the team has not been as successful at the other end of the floor, as the Falcons are producing just 64.0 ppg. Nate Miller has been the main scoring option for BGSU, as the forward is posting 13.6 ppg, while also grabbing 5.9 rpg. Miller's frontcourt partner Chris Knight is the only other player producing double- figures, as the forward is contributing 11.0 ppg to go along with a team-high 7.1 rpg. The past Wednesday, the Falcons were defeated by Eastern Michigan 78-68. While the defensive struggles were shocking, the offensive play was once again troubling. The Falcons were led by Knight, who scored 15 points in the loss. Miller added 13 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Brian Moten chipped in 14 points off the bench.

The Zips will likely bounce back from their latest setback and should have no trouble getting past a weak Bowling Green squad. Do not expect the same outcome as the previous meeting between the two schools, but do expect Akron to win rather easily.