LIKELY STARTERS
East Tennessee State (1-0, 0-0)
G Justin Tubbs (6-3 Jr)
G Micah Williams (6-4 Jr)
F Tommy Hubbard (6-4 Jr)
F Isiah Brown (6-8 So)
F Adam Sollazzo (6-6 So)
Mocs (1-0, 0-0)
G Keegan Bell (6-1 RSo)
G Ricky Taylor (6-5 So)
G Josh Odem (6-5 Fr)
F Ridge McKeither (6-5 Jr)
C Jeremy Saffore (7-1 RJr)
KNOW THY OPPONENT
The Bucs Official Athletic Site- http://www.etsubucs.com/sports/mbball/
The starters listed above are based a lot on who finished the game on Saturday for the Bucs in their 62-58 win over Appalachian State. Also, it is assuming that Mike Smith, the Bucs best player, is not healthy enough to start. He played just ten minutes against the Mountaineers.
ETSU is going to try to slow the game down. They did not score a fast break point against the Mountaineers, and surrendered just four. They will rely on playing solid defense, and making just enough shots to win the game. They shot just 41 percent against Appalachian State, but made fifty percent in the second half. They made just 55 percent of their free throws for the game, which nearly cost them. However, they made 5 of 6 in the final minute to help salt the game away. They only made 3 of 15 on threes.
In other words, this team will rely on defense, and hope that the shots fall enough to win the game. They held Appalachian State to 41 percent shooting as well. They also forced 25 turnovers, while the Mountaineers had just six assists. In other words, the Bucs were playing absolutely great defense. It does not get much better than that. They were hurt by their own 20 turnovers, though.
ETSU was outrebounded by two, 36-34. However, they collected thirteen offensive rebounds. Those are the sort of hustle plays that can make a huge difference in a game. They came up with just ten second chance points on those rebounds, but getting those chances can translate into points.
Smith played eight minutes in the first half the other night, and connected for just three points, but also had three personal fouls. He played just two minutes in the second half, and had no shots…or fouls. He averaged fifteen points and seven rebounds a game last year, and that is why he was preseason All Atlantic Sun. It will be a huge blow if he cannot play in this game. It seems like he may not be healthy enough to play, as indicated by the second half minutes against Appalachian State.
No other returning player averaged more than 4.7 points per game. That was done by Brown. The newcomers are expected to play a big role on this team. Tubbs is the most notable newcomer and he played a big role in the win over Appalachian State. He made two free throws in the final minute to push the lead to 59-56.
Freshman Sheldon Cooley scored eleven points coming off the bench. He should continue to play a vital role on this team. Tommy Hubbard and Jocolby Davis both started against Appalachian State and could start against the Mocs tonight. Hubbard has seven rebounds and four points on 2 of 10 shooting in seventeen minutes. Davis had one rebound, two points and six turnovers in eighteen minutes.
BREAKDOWN AND MATCH-UPS
Brown will probably be given the responsibility of guarding Saffore. That will be an interesting match-up. Saffore did not face anyone anywhere near as physical as Brown against Virginia Intermont. That is the real question regarding Saffore. We all know he has height, but the question is if he can match up with someone who has a little muscle and bulk. That could play a huge role in the game.
Bell likes to speed up the pace of the game, and the Mocs played a fairly fast tempo against Virginia Intermont. More than likely, the Mocs will want to play a fast style. The Bucs will want to grind it out as best as they can. The team that controls the tempo will have the best chance to win.
The Mocs are undermanned without Patterson, Harvey, Cage, and Early. But the Bucs are really nursing the injury bug as well with Smith sitting out right now. Which team is better equipped to deal with that problem?
Neither team has been able to shoot free throws well during the exhibition games or in their first regular season game. However, the Bucs made pressure free throws down the stretch, which is something that the Mocs have not had to do yet. Does that play a role in this game?
Josh Odem will be playing in his first big game as a college player. He will need to show up for the Mocs to have a good chance at winning. Justin Tubbs and Sheldon Cooley are newcomers for the Bucs that could be matching up with Odem. Odem will need to hold his own against the Bucs newcomers in a key match-up for both teams.
QUESTIONS I WANT ANSWERED
- Will the Mocs make free throws tonight or not?
- Can Saffore do THAT against a D-1 team?
- How many fans will show up for this game?
- Will the Mocs shoot a bunch of threes in a game against a quality opponent?
THE PICK
This is going to be a very competitive game. If Smith plays and plays well, it totally changes the complexion of this game. The Bucs already beat Appalachian State, who is picked ahead of the Mocs in the Southern Conference North Division. So the Mocs will need to play well in order to win the game. However, the Roundhouse should be packed thanks to the promotion of the game and the $1 tickets. This will only help the Mocs. In a home game, the Mocs will find a way to win a close one. Mocs 77, East Tennessee State 72.
No comments:
Post a Comment