Zips basketball: Post-game analysis for Eastern Michigan

This was another one of those feats of daring do worthy of illusionist Criss Angel.  With more than 20 turnovers there is no way that the Zips should have won this game.  But here are three reasons they did:

• They played stellar defense limiting the Eagles to 37 percent shooting for the game on 19-of-51 shots as the Zips rebounded and did what was necessary on the offensive side of the ball to make up for any deficiencies they had on the night.
• Offensively when a team shoots 53 percent from the floor on 25-of-47 shots and 9-of-23 from the three-point line.   The big difference: the way they shared the ball for the night, racking up 21 assists as a team that led to a fair share of easy baskets.  When Demetrius Treadwell dishes out four assists, you know something is going on.  That also led to four players hitting in double figures on the night.
• The close games may be aggravating for some and the constant refrain that ultimately they are good for the team, it gets old, but what it does is force the Zips to be patient and show some resolve.  In tonight’s game they never panicked.  That is something to remember.

Key player:  Brian Walsh with 16 points and 4-of-8 from the three-point arc.  For Zips fans it’s got to be a relief to see this performance at this time of the year.  From what’s been seen of Walsh, he will be doing anything and everything to keep it going.

Key stat: The Zips shot better than 50 percent from the floor after the Eagles mucked things up with their glacial pace.  But that’s tempered when you look at 20 turnovers for the game.

Quote of the game:

I thought tonight Alex was colorblind.  He didn't know which uniform was which – Coach Keith Dambrot being able to joke about point guard Alex Abreu being responsible for nine of the team’s turnovers.