Monday, January 13, 2014

SoCon Thursday Previews: 1-16-14

A daily preview of each SoCon game.

Thursday Thought

Elon-Davidson may be the most anticipated game of the entire SoCon season. Teams that haven't won a SoCon game yet need to start winning if they even want to think about getting a bye in the conference tournament. I think nine or ten wins is what is needed for a bye. That means it's go time on Thursday night for Furman, Appalachian State and The Citadel if they want to even get into the ballpark.

Furman at Georgia Southern, 7:00 PM

The Paladins are desperate to come up with a SoCon win. They have been close on a couple of occassions, but have not been able to come up with a win. The Paladins still have Stephen Croone, one of the best players in the SoCon. But Croone will be challenged by the Eagles very good backcourt. Jelani Hewitt and Tre Bussey will present significant challenges to Furman on both ends of the floor. Furman is good enough to pull off the upset if the Eagles don't come out ready to play. But in the long run, the Eagles are just a better team. Eagles 72, Paladins 64.

Chattanooga at Appalachian State, 7:00 PM

The Mocs are eager to come up with a fifth win and get off to a 5-0 SoCon start. Going to Boone will be difficult. The two best rebounders in the conference will be on display as Z Mason will go against Michael Obacha. Jay Canty has been very good since coming back from injury. The Mocs have done a good job of at least slowing down the other team's top option lately. Can the Mocs slow down Canty? If so, who do the Mountaineers answer with? Tab Hamilton? Tevin Baskin? This is going to be a war in Boone. But the Mocs come up with yet another close win. Mocs 77, Mountaineers 74.

The Citadel at UNCG, 7:00 PM

The Spartans turn the ball over a lot. The Bulldogs have not been forcing turnovers much. Something has to give. The Bulldogs have been getting close to coming up with a SoCon win, but just haven't been able to pull it off yet. Will they finally get over the hump in Greensboro? With PJ Horgan back and Brian White, the Bulldogs may be able to compete inside with Kyle Cain and Kayel Locke. Still, if the Spartans aren't committing turnovers, they are very tough to stop- even by the Bulldogs, who have been doing a great job in conference containing other teams offense in terms of shooting percentages. Should be closer than Spartan fans want, but UNCG still comes up with the win. UNCG 76, The Citadel 68.

Elon at Davidson, 7:00 PM

Quite simply, it is one of the biggest games in Elon basketball history. This game is all about how Elon plays. Do they play loose? If so, this could be a barn burner. If they play like the weight of all the expectations are on their shoulders, they could get drilled. I think DeMon Brooks against Lucas Troutman is a very interesting match-up inside. This is the SoCon Monster Game of the Week, so there is coverage and breakdowns elsewhere. That being said, simply put, I think Elon plays tight and Davidson comes up with a demoralizing win, Wildcats 81, Phoenix 67.

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