(1) Davidson vs. (4) Appalachian StateTime: 6:00
Coverage: ESPN3
Breakdown: Davidson got to rest a lot of their players in the quarterfinal round, which was critical, because their biggest potential weakness is their depth. The Wildcats should be in good shape as they head into this one for that reason. Nick Cochran and Chris Czerapowicz are always key to the Wildcats chancs, because they are such good shooters. They open up the game for Jake Cohen and De'Mon Brooks. Cohen and Brooks are always dangerous.
Appalachian State has been wildly inconsistent this year, but has won their last three games to find themselves in the semifinals of the SoCon Tournament. The Mountaineers will need Nathan Healy to have a huge game. Healy is one of the best players in the SoCon, and is capable of having a big game. He can score, rebound, and shoot. The Wildcats don't particularly care for Healy these days, and will be looking to control him.
Prediction: The Wildcats are ready to shut down Healy, and the rest of the Mountaineers don't have enough to pick up the slack. The Wildcast have a very good offensive team, and will put it on displaay in this semifinal performance. They looked like a team on a mission yesterday. They won't be derailed at this point. Not by this Appalachian State team. Davidson 80, Appalachian State 63.
(2) Elon vs. (3) College of Charleston
Time: 8:30
Coverage: ESPN3
Breakdown: Elon relies heavily on Lucas Troutman and Jack Isenbarger, along with Ryley Beaumont. The Phoenix are a good rebounding team, and a tough, physical bunch. They have not played great basketball in recent weeks, though. Troutman has been battling with an injury. He looked more like himself on Saturday. How will his ankle do in his second game in two days? The Phoenix will need Troutman to look very good.
College of Charleston looked good against Western Carolina on Saturday. Andrew Lawrence had an awful shooting night, though. Lawrence and Adejhi Baru are excellent players, and will be a load for the Phoenix. Trent Wiedeman won't exactly be easy either. The Cougars and Phoenix will have a heck of a rebounding battle, and Lawrence will need to shoot the ball better for the Cougars to win in this one.
Prediction: Elon has been preparing for this semifinal game for weeks. This game is why they were resting Lucas Troutman down the stretch to make really sure he was back from his injury. Everyone knew that the Phoenix could win a game without Troutman in the first round if they needed to, but they need him for this game. The Cougars are very good, and this should be a tremendous game, but the Cougars have a lot of pressure on them to succeed here, because past teams have failed in situations like this. Look for the Andrew Lawrence to play much better than he did against Western Carolina, but it won't be enough. This has potential to be the best game of the whole tournament. Elon 65, College of Charleston 62. \
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