SoCon Monster Game of the Week Preview: South Carolina at Elon

Time: 7:00 PM
TV: SportSouth
Line: South Carolina -5.

Jack Isenbarger left early in the second half with a minor injury. It's a question of whether or not he is healthy enough to play in this one. I can't find any recent information on this, so I'm going to assume that he can play. He shot 1 of 9 from the floor against Massachusetts and scored just three points. He is a much better shooter than that.

Lucas Troutman and Drew Spradlin are the other stars for the Phoenix. Troutman lead the team in scoring with 15 points. Spradlin scored 14 points. He is the team's true star. He is one of the better players in the SoCon.

But Matt Matheny is the key. He has instilled a level of toughness and physicality to the Phoenix. They are one of the rising teams in the SoCon, and could be a major surprise in the North Division. Elon is an excellent team. They matched UMass in rebounding in the opener, 35-35. Ryley Beaumont, a 6-7 sophomore, lead the team in rebounds with eight. He also lead the team with six turnovers, of the Phoenix 25 on the night.

South Carolina, on the other hand, won 75-50 over Western Carolina on Friday night. The Catamounts are picked ahead of the Phoenix in the SoCon North, but South Carolina shot nearly 51% against the Catamounts and outrebounded them 35-25. Anthony Gill made 6 of 7 shots and scored 14 points. Lakeem Jackson lead the team with ten rebounds.

But the Gamecocks have just one player over 6-8. Carlton Geathers is 6-10. The Phoenix can compete with the Gamecocks on the boards for sure. Elon will be able to control the Gamecocks on offense.

This is one of the bigger home games that Elon has played. They do not have a large gym, and it could bother the Gamecocks to play in such a small setting, as it bothers many teams.

KEYS TO THE GAME
--Elon will need to be physical with South Carolina.
--How will Gill perform in his first road game?
--Will South Carolina respond to the small setting with composure or will it bother them some?
--Isenbarger's health.

LEAD PIPE LOCKS THAT ARE SURE TO GO WRONG
--Elon will outrebound South Carolina.
--Gill will not have as many points as he scored against Western Carolina.
--Very low scoring affair.
--Elon 57, South Carolina 53. The Phoenix are good, and will show it off here. They are really hungry to pull off an upset and will find it here, sending a message to the SoCon North that they are a contender in the division.