Daily Wrap: November 17

RESULTS

Alabama 80, Western Carolina 74


So, What Happened?

The SoCon still is winless in SoCon play, but something more interesting may have developed. With the way Western Carolina has played against two SEC schools, it is easy to say that Western Carolina may be the best team in the SoCon based on their play so far.

The Catamounts were expected to be rebuilding but they hung tough on the road with two SEC schools. Admittedly, it was not like they were playing Kentucky and Florida, but still it was two SEC schools. The Catamounts did very well in those two games and I think it is fair to say that they are a legitimate contender in the SoCon this year. The depth of the SoCon may be even better than expected, because Western Carolina may be better than we all thought (except maybe Dean Keener).

With Hiwassee, Oakland, Georgia State and Chicago State coming up in the next ten days, I think it is safe to say the Catamounts will not be winless much longer, and may even with three of those games.


Game of the Day- Alabama 80, Western Carolina 74

Western Carolina was so close, but so far away. After the Catamounts jumped out to a six point lead at 67-61, it looked like the Catamounts had a real shot to pull off the upset. But in the end, Alabama's length and all the foul problems were just too much for Western Carolina.

James Sinclair was not playing well in the first half, but exploded in the second half and ended up setting a career high in points. That was a good performance from him. Tucker Thompson looked pretty good as well as a true freshman starting his first game. Rhett Harrelson looks like he might be one of the best pure shooters in the SoCon.

There were 42 free throws taken by Alabama, and they made 32 of them. That was the difference in the game.


Player of the Day- James Sinclair

Sinclair scored 31 points, had five rebounds, three assists and three steals. He made 10 of 18 from the floor and four of ten from three point range to go along with five of seven from the free throw line. Sinclair was an absolute monster in the second half. He couldn't seem to miss. He will be a major handful for any team to handle in SoCon play. Sinclair was unreal.