Wofford 67, Furman 64
Player of the Game: Eric Garcia knocked down four huge threes from an unexpected source, scoring 15 points. It was that kind of performance from Garcia that helped to set the Terriers apart from the Paladins on this night.
Stat of the Game: Furman had just three offensive rebounds. The Paladins had been dominated the offensive boards in this tournament. That is directly tied to the Kris Acox injury that kept him out for so much of this game. It is completely fair to ask if Acox had played a full game if Furman would have been able to come up with the win.
Where Furman goes from here: The Paladins are young, playing four freshman big minutes, and Stephen Croone is only a junior, while Acox is only a sophomore. This team should be much better next year, regardless of the outcome of this tournament. This weekend really should give them a shot in the arm of confidence heading into next year. The Paladins could be contenders in the Southern Conference regular season next year. Niko Medved needed something positive to happen to show he had the program heading in the right direction. I'd say he got it.
Where Wofford goes from here: The Terriers now head to the NCAA Tournament, likely as a twelve seed, though an eleven or a thirteen are also possibilities. Truthfully, the Terriers are hurt by Furman pulling the upsets and getting here. If Wofford had been able to beat Chattanooga in the title game, their RPI would have been better and they may have two more Top 100 wins than they have right now (since the Mocs are no longer a Top 100 team because of their loss, but likely would have been if they had advanced to the SoCon Final). That hurts their profile a little bit. Still, you can only beat the teams ahead of you, and the Terriers have certainly done that for the second consecutive year. They have a chance to win a game or two in the NCAA Tournament with the right draw.
Monday, March 9, 2015
SoCon Championship Preview
Wofford vs. Furman
Time: 7:00 PM
Broadcast: ESPN2
Previously: Wofford swept the seasons series. On January 22 in Spartanburg, Wofford beat Furman 74-49 in a game that really wasn't even that close. Furman shot 32.6% from the floor and Wofford shot 54.9%. The only Paladin in double figures was Stephen Croone with 17. Karl Cochran had 23 points. On February 28, Wofford beat Furman at Greenville, 62-60. Croone did not play in that one. John Davis III scored 20. Lee Skinner scored 17 and Cochran had 11, pacing the Terriers. The Paladins made just 5 of 12 from the free throw line while Wofford made 19 of 28. That was the real difference in this one.
Match-up: The Paladins confidence is new. After all, they lost by 35 just two weeks ago at UNCG. Then, they stunned Western Carolina at home and lost to Wofford by just two. That was enough to get the team believing and here they are, still believing. Kris Acox is playing as well as any big man in the conference right now, and Skinner against Acox should be one of the best individual match-ups in this game. Cochran and Croone are also very good. These two will both be trying to do it all. Can Croone score against Cochran? James Sinclair of Westen Carolina looked tired while Cochran had energy in Sunday's semifinal. Croone should be tired too. Will he have any more success against Cochran? He needs to. The key for the Paladins is coming up with enough offense to win the game. They have to play well enough on that side of the ball to win. They have struggled, even in this tournament, to do that consistently. One way to do that would be on the offensive glass. Acox and Kendrec Ferrara will be key in that. Spencer Collins may be on track to win the Tournament MVP for the Terriers. If he steps up, that is another offensive weapon for the Paladins to have to match.
Prediction: This one is intriguing. The best team in the regular season against the worst team in the regular season. It is the ultimate David vs. Goliath. Furman is good enough to keep this game close, especially with all the momentum they are carrying into this game. They are playing with so much confidence. The team is clearly showing that over and over again. However, they have to come up with a way to stop the Terriers offense and to score enough to win. That is really obvious, but it is also true. The Terriers offensive efficiency has been phenomenal in this tournament. Their defense has been phenomenal in this tournament. The Paladins will have to play an even better game than they have played yet to win this championship. To do that on their fourth game in four days seems really unlikely. Terriers 67, Paladins 56.
Time: 7:00 PM
Broadcast: ESPN2
Previously: Wofford swept the seasons series. On January 22 in Spartanburg, Wofford beat Furman 74-49 in a game that really wasn't even that close. Furman shot 32.6% from the floor and Wofford shot 54.9%. The only Paladin in double figures was Stephen Croone with 17. Karl Cochran had 23 points. On February 28, Wofford beat Furman at Greenville, 62-60. Croone did not play in that one. John Davis III scored 20. Lee Skinner scored 17 and Cochran had 11, pacing the Terriers. The Paladins made just 5 of 12 from the free throw line while Wofford made 19 of 28. That was the real difference in this one.
Match-up: The Paladins confidence is new. After all, they lost by 35 just two weeks ago at UNCG. Then, they stunned Western Carolina at home and lost to Wofford by just two. That was enough to get the team believing and here they are, still believing. Kris Acox is playing as well as any big man in the conference right now, and Skinner against Acox should be one of the best individual match-ups in this game. Cochran and Croone are also very good. These two will both be trying to do it all. Can Croone score against Cochran? James Sinclair of Westen Carolina looked tired while Cochran had energy in Sunday's semifinal. Croone should be tired too. Will he have any more success against Cochran? He needs to. The key for the Paladins is coming up with enough offense to win the game. They have to play well enough on that side of the ball to win. They have struggled, even in this tournament, to do that consistently. One way to do that would be on the offensive glass. Acox and Kendrec Ferrara will be key in that. Spencer Collins may be on track to win the Tournament MVP for the Terriers. If he steps up, that is another offensive weapon for the Paladins to have to match.
Prediction: This one is intriguing. The best team in the regular season against the worst team in the regular season. It is the ultimate David vs. Goliath. Furman is good enough to keep this game close, especially with all the momentum they are carrying into this game. They are playing with so much confidence. The team is clearly showing that over and over again. However, they have to come up with a way to stop the Terriers offense and to score enough to win. That is really obvious, but it is also true. The Terriers offensive efficiency has been phenomenal in this tournament. Their defense has been phenomenal in this tournament. The Paladins will have to play an even better game than they have played yet to win this championship. To do that on their fourth game in four days seems really unlikely. Terriers 67, Paladins 56.
SoCon Semifinal Reviews
Wofford 73, Western Carolina 61
Player of the Game: Spencer Collins had 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. He made 10 of 13 from the free throw line. He was very good, especially early. That was critical, because Karl Cochran did not score in the first half.
Stat of the Game: Western Carolina 38.1% from the floor. The Catamounts had not shot over 31% against the Terriers yet this year until this one. They needed to shoot around 45% to really be able to win this one, but they remained just as cold as ever against Wofford. Thus, another double digit loss.
Where Western Carolina goes from here: The Catamounts lose Kenneth Hall (not nothing, but not major) and also James Sinclair (a significant loss). There have to be real questions about whether or not this program is going to be better or worse next year. They overachieved to some degree this year, but Rhett Harrelson,. Justin Browning, Torrion Brummitt and Mike Brown will all be seniors, and it is their turn to lead this program. Are they really the heart of a SoCon champ? I'm not sure. I'm not convinced that they are not improving at the same rate as some other programs and may even see a drop off next year. However, I doubted them heading into this year and was burned on that pick. So, I should warn you not to underestimate them.
Where Wofford goes from here: The Terriers are just one win away from a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. They did not play perfectly in this one (they struggled on the glass in this one), but they did more than enough to win. They have now five consecutive SoCon Tournament games. As hard as this is to believe, none of those came against a team seeded higher than fourth. They won't get one Monday night either, whether they win or lose. This team is a very good team and very dangerous if they can get to the NCAA Tournament. But they better focus on an improving Furman team to make sure they get there.
Furman 52, Mercer 49
Player of the Game: Kris Acox had 12 points and ten rebounds and one momentum changing power slam that helped turn the game the Paladins way. Acox was the reason the Paladins won this game, even though Stephen Croone's number may be slightly better. Acox made 6 of 9 from the floor and come up with seven huge offensive rebounds.
Stat of the Game: The Paladins came up with 46.2% of their offensive rebound opportunities while Mercer only had 27% of theirs. That is a huge swing, and when both teams are cold shooting (Mercer shot 28.8% from the floor) getting more opportunities is huge.
Where Mercer goes from here: TJ Hallice and Darious Moten are both seniors. Those are important pieces of this club. They are going to have a tough time replacing them. Still, they've seen worse. Last year, five senior starters graduated, and they still got back this far. The Bears will be one of the top teams in the SoCon next year, even without Hallice and Moten. This loss was wildly disappointing, make no mistake. But this club should be slightly improved next year.
Where Furman goes from here: This young team has grown up before our eyes. It is hard to believe that it was just two weeks ago on Sunday that this Paladins team was getting worked over by UNCG by the score of 84-49. Now, they are just one win from Dayton and playing in the First Four. The freshman are contributing and this team is really playing better. Niko Medved deserves a ton of credit for getting this team to play their best basketball at the perfect time of year. The last place Paladins have beaten the second place and third place team on consecutive nights. Now, if they can just take out the pesky number one seed and get to the NCAA Tournament.
Player of the Game: Spencer Collins had 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. He made 10 of 13 from the free throw line. He was very good, especially early. That was critical, because Karl Cochran did not score in the first half.
Stat of the Game: Western Carolina 38.1% from the floor. The Catamounts had not shot over 31% against the Terriers yet this year until this one. They needed to shoot around 45% to really be able to win this one, but they remained just as cold as ever against Wofford. Thus, another double digit loss.
Where Western Carolina goes from here: The Catamounts lose Kenneth Hall (not nothing, but not major) and also James Sinclair (a significant loss). There have to be real questions about whether or not this program is going to be better or worse next year. They overachieved to some degree this year, but Rhett Harrelson,. Justin Browning, Torrion Brummitt and Mike Brown will all be seniors, and it is their turn to lead this program. Are they really the heart of a SoCon champ? I'm not sure. I'm not convinced that they are not improving at the same rate as some other programs and may even see a drop off next year. However, I doubted them heading into this year and was burned on that pick. So, I should warn you not to underestimate them.
Where Wofford goes from here: The Terriers are just one win away from a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. They did not play perfectly in this one (they struggled on the glass in this one), but they did more than enough to win. They have now five consecutive SoCon Tournament games. As hard as this is to believe, none of those came against a team seeded higher than fourth. They won't get one Monday night either, whether they win or lose. This team is a very good team and very dangerous if they can get to the NCAA Tournament. But they better focus on an improving Furman team to make sure they get there.
Furman 52, Mercer 49
Player of the Game: Kris Acox had 12 points and ten rebounds and one momentum changing power slam that helped turn the game the Paladins way. Acox was the reason the Paladins won this game, even though Stephen Croone's number may be slightly better. Acox made 6 of 9 from the floor and come up with seven huge offensive rebounds.
Stat of the Game: The Paladins came up with 46.2% of their offensive rebound opportunities while Mercer only had 27% of theirs. That is a huge swing, and when both teams are cold shooting (Mercer shot 28.8% from the floor) getting more opportunities is huge.
Where Mercer goes from here: TJ Hallice and Darious Moten are both seniors. Those are important pieces of this club. They are going to have a tough time replacing them. Still, they've seen worse. Last year, five senior starters graduated, and they still got back this far. The Bears will be one of the top teams in the SoCon next year, even without Hallice and Moten. This loss was wildly disappointing, make no mistake. But this club should be slightly improved next year.
Where Furman goes from here: This young team has grown up before our eyes. It is hard to believe that it was just two weeks ago on Sunday that this Paladins team was getting worked over by UNCG by the score of 84-49. Now, they are just one win from Dayton and playing in the First Four. The freshman are contributing and this team is really playing better. Niko Medved deserves a ton of credit for getting this team to play their best basketball at the perfect time of year. The last place Paladins have beaten the second place and third place team on consecutive nights. Now, if they can just take out the pesky number one seed and get to the NCAA Tournament.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
SoCon Tournament Challenge Standings
1) Christopher Bourean 4 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Wofford, Karl Cochran- has three semifinal teams right)
2) Cody Cooper 4 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Wofford, Karl Cochran- had three semifinal teams right)
3) Terry Major 4 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Casey Jones- had three semifinal teams right)
4) JohnMoc1 4 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Justin Tuoyo- had two semifinal teams right)
5) SoConJohn 3 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Stephen Croone- has two semifinal teams right)
6) Jerry Love 3 (Western Carolina, Mercer, Western Carolina, James Sinclair- has three semifinal teams right)
7t) MJR 3 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Wofford, Karl Cochran- has two semifinal teams right)
7t) NGR 3 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Karl Cochran- has two semifinal teams right)
7t) Alexander Kelly 3 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Wofford, Karl Cochran- has two semifinal teams right)
10) Shelton Moss 3 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Casey Jones- has two semifinal teams right)
11) Charles Cowherd (Wofford, VMI, VMI, Julian Eleby- has one semifinal team right)
12t) Harrison Hudson (Wofford, Mercer, Wofford, Karl Cochran- has two semifinal teams right)
12t) DC_Int'l (Wofford, Mercer, Mercer, Karl Cochran- has two semifinal teams right)
14) Michael James (ETSU, Chattanooga, ETSU- has two semifinal teams right)
15) Dash Spartan (ETSU, Chattanooga, Chattanooga- has zero semifinal teams right)
Player Rankings in this contest at this point:
1) Stephen Croone
2) James Sinclair
3) Julian Eleby
4) Karl Cochran
5) Casey Jones
6) Justin Tuoyo
7) Jalen Riley
2) Cody Cooper 4 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Wofford, Karl Cochran- had three semifinal teams right)
3) Terry Major 4 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Casey Jones- had three semifinal teams right)
4) JohnMoc1 4 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Justin Tuoyo- had two semifinal teams right)
5) SoConJohn 3 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Stephen Croone- has two semifinal teams right)
6) Jerry Love 3 (Western Carolina, Mercer, Western Carolina, James Sinclair- has three semifinal teams right)
7t) MJR 3 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Wofford, Karl Cochran- has two semifinal teams right)
7t) NGR 3 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Karl Cochran- has two semifinal teams right)
7t) Alexander Kelly 3 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Wofford, Karl Cochran- has two semifinal teams right)
10) Shelton Moss 3 (Wofford, Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Casey Jones- has two semifinal teams right)
11) Charles Cowherd (Wofford, VMI, VMI, Julian Eleby- has one semifinal team right)
12t) Harrison Hudson (Wofford, Mercer, Wofford, Karl Cochran- has two semifinal teams right)
12t) DC_Int'l (Wofford, Mercer, Mercer, Karl Cochran- has two semifinal teams right)
14) Michael James (ETSU, Chattanooga, ETSU- has two semifinal teams right)
15) Dash Spartan (ETSU, Chattanooga, Chattanooga- has zero semifinal teams right)
Player Rankings in this contest at this point:
1) Stephen Croone
2) James Sinclair
3) Julian Eleby
4) Karl Cochran
5) Casey Jones
6) Justin Tuoyo
7) Jalen Riley
SoCon Semifinal Previews
Wofford vs. Western Carolina
Time: 6:00 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Wofford swept the regular season series. On January 17, the Terriers won at home 62-43. The Catamounts shot a dismal 27.8% from the floor. The Terriers crushed the Catamounts on the boards, 46-33. Lee Skinner was a dominant force, scoring 13 points with eleven rebounds. James Sinclair scored 16, but just on 5 of 18 shooting from the floor. On Valentine's Day in Cullowhee, following stirring wins over Chattanooga and Mercer, Western Carolina was crushed by Wofford, 75-55. The Catamounts again shot poorly- just 30.5%. The Terriers shot just over 50%. The Terriers also shot 50% from three point range. Karl Cochran poured in 26 points, while Sinclair scored 12 on 4 of 19 shooting.
Match-up: The Terriers defense has smothered Western Carolina in two games this year. They can do that to teams for sure. Can the Catamounts shoot better in this one? They almost have to. Sinclair, Mike Brown and Rhett Harrelson need to shoot the ball well. The Catamounts rebounded better in Cullowhee, but that battle will be critical. Skinner against Torrion Brummitt will be one of the underrated match-ups in this one. The Catamounts will need Brummitt to play Skinner even. Cochran and Spencer Collins are excellent guards. When one has been playing poorly lately, the other has stepped up. If both have poor games, the Catamounts will have a much better chance.
Prediction: Strange things have happened in Asheville in recent years for the Catamounts. Can they get that magic going one more time in this one? Possibly. Still, Wofford is clearly the superior team. The Terriers will have to play semi-poorly and the Catamounts will have to play pretty well for Western Carolina to win this one. It is not out of the question. After all, Sinclair can not possibly keep on playing as poorly as he has against Wofford so far this year. Western Carolina will keep this interesting and make it a close game, but Wofford will come out with the win. Terriers 71, Catamounts 64.
Mercer vs. Furman
Time: 8:30 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Mercer swept Furman, winning the two games by a combined nine points. On January 15 in Macon, the Bears shot 58.5% and outrebounded Furman, 29-15 in a 67-64 win. The Paladins fell behind by 14 early, but fought back and the whole last twelve minutes were played at five points or less. Darious Moten scored 16 points and made 6 of 6 from the floor. On February 7, at Furman the Terriers won 74-68. TJ Hallice scored 16 points with ten rebounds. The Paladins were up five at halftime and the whole second half was pretty much back and forth.
Match-up: These two teams played two very close games despite the fact that Mercer is clearly the better team based on the standings. The Paladins will be playing their third game in three nights, but have been gaining confidence each night. Stephen Croone was not particularly good on Saturday, but was brilliant on Friday night. Kris Acox has been rebounding well. Kendrec Ferrara has actually been making threes. TJ Hallice going in the paint against Acox and Ferrara will be critical. The Bears efficient offense, with Darious Moten and Ike Nwamu and the rest of the team, will be tough for the Paladins to contain. The Paladins really need to continue see the whole team step up in a big way if they want to pull off this upset.
Prediction: The Paladins are playing good basketball and have played two close games with Mercer. It is certainly possible that they could pull off the shocker. If it gets into another really close game, Furman is playing with enough confidence that they could easily pull it out. The question is if Mercer will let them keep it that close. Moten, Nwamu and Hallice make enough plays for Mercer to jump out to an early lead and keep the Paladins at bay. Bears 74, Paladins 64.
Time: 6:00 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Wofford swept the regular season series. On January 17, the Terriers won at home 62-43. The Catamounts shot a dismal 27.8% from the floor. The Terriers crushed the Catamounts on the boards, 46-33. Lee Skinner was a dominant force, scoring 13 points with eleven rebounds. James Sinclair scored 16, but just on 5 of 18 shooting from the floor. On Valentine's Day in Cullowhee, following stirring wins over Chattanooga and Mercer, Western Carolina was crushed by Wofford, 75-55. The Catamounts again shot poorly- just 30.5%. The Terriers shot just over 50%. The Terriers also shot 50% from three point range. Karl Cochran poured in 26 points, while Sinclair scored 12 on 4 of 19 shooting.
Match-up: The Terriers defense has smothered Western Carolina in two games this year. They can do that to teams for sure. Can the Catamounts shoot better in this one? They almost have to. Sinclair, Mike Brown and Rhett Harrelson need to shoot the ball well. The Catamounts rebounded better in Cullowhee, but that battle will be critical. Skinner against Torrion Brummitt will be one of the underrated match-ups in this one. The Catamounts will need Brummitt to play Skinner even. Cochran and Spencer Collins are excellent guards. When one has been playing poorly lately, the other has stepped up. If both have poor games, the Catamounts will have a much better chance.
Prediction: Strange things have happened in Asheville in recent years for the Catamounts. Can they get that magic going one more time in this one? Possibly. Still, Wofford is clearly the superior team. The Terriers will have to play semi-poorly and the Catamounts will have to play pretty well for Western Carolina to win this one. It is not out of the question. After all, Sinclair can not possibly keep on playing as poorly as he has against Wofford so far this year. Western Carolina will keep this interesting and make it a close game, but Wofford will come out with the win. Terriers 71, Catamounts 64.
Mercer vs. Furman
Time: 8:30 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Mercer swept Furman, winning the two games by a combined nine points. On January 15 in Macon, the Bears shot 58.5% and outrebounded Furman, 29-15 in a 67-64 win. The Paladins fell behind by 14 early, but fought back and the whole last twelve minutes were played at five points or less. Darious Moten scored 16 points and made 6 of 6 from the floor. On February 7, at Furman the Terriers won 74-68. TJ Hallice scored 16 points with ten rebounds. The Paladins were up five at halftime and the whole second half was pretty much back and forth.
Match-up: These two teams played two very close games despite the fact that Mercer is clearly the better team based on the standings. The Paladins will be playing their third game in three nights, but have been gaining confidence each night. Stephen Croone was not particularly good on Saturday, but was brilliant on Friday night. Kris Acox has been rebounding well. Kendrec Ferrara has actually been making threes. TJ Hallice going in the paint against Acox and Ferrara will be critical. The Bears efficient offense, with Darious Moten and Ike Nwamu and the rest of the team, will be tough for the Paladins to contain. The Paladins really need to continue see the whole team step up in a big way if they want to pull off this upset.
Prediction: The Paladins are playing good basketball and have played two close games with Mercer. It is certainly possible that they could pull off the shocker. If it gets into another really close game, Furman is playing with enough confidence that they could easily pull it out. The question is if Mercer will let them keep it that close. Moten, Nwamu and Hallice make enough plays for Mercer to jump out to an early lead and keep the Paladins at bay. Bears 74, Paladins 64.
SoCon Tournament Review Day Two
Wofford 70, UNCG 52
Player of the Game: Spencer Collins scored 21 points on 9 of 14 shooting from the floor. On a night where Karl Cochran and Lee Skinner both struggled for much of the game, Collins stepped up in a big way and provided the difference in this one.
Stat of the Game: Wofford shot 50% from the floor. The Terriers were pretty hot from the floor on the whole and the Spartans made just 35.1% of their shots. UNCG needed to shoot the ball well to win and hold the Terriers down. It didn't happen.
Where UNCG goes from here: The Spartans injury problems throughout the year should be better next year. There will be no Nicholas Paulos, but the rest of the team returns and this club looked better down the stretch. They should continue that improvement next year and should finish in the top half of the conference. This team has talent- they just have to get better from here. It seems likely that Wes Miller will return for another year- for better or worse.
Where Wofford goes from here: The Terriers advance to the semifinals against Western Carolina and now are just two wins away from a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The Terriers looked like a motivated team and a team that it is going to be extraordinarily difficult to beat. The Terriers defense was top of the line today. If they continue to defend like that, they become an even bigger favorite in this tournament.
Western Carolina 67, ETSU 61 (OT)
Player of the Game: James Sinclair scored 30 points, had 14 rebounds and had six steals. Truly a remarkable game from Sinclair, who had outscored ETSU on his own for a long time. Sinclair's play was really amazing in this one.
Stat of the Game: Jalen Riley shot 2 of 11 from the floor and scored just eight points. The SoCon's leading scorer was held nearly silent. He simply had an off night. Honestly, it was amazing that ETSU was able to take the game to overtime given how poorly Riley played for most of the night.
Where ETSU goes from here: This club was made up of a solid core of seniors. Jalen Riley, Rashawn Rembert, the injured Ron Giplaye, and Alex Bates were all seniors. This was the year this team was supposed to make a run. Lester Wilson, AJ Merriweather, Petey McClain, Devin Harris and Desonta Bradford are all back. This team may be OK next year, but it is hard to find them as a better team next year. This team underachieved, there is no question. That may mean that next year's team can match this year's, but they are unlikely to be contenders for the SoCon title.
Where Western Carolina goes from here: The Catamounts advance to the semifinals against Wofford and will get yet another chance to take out a number one seed in Asheville. Last year, Western Carolina shocked Davidson right out of the SoCon in the semifinals. Can they do the same thing again? Sinclair and Mike Brown had big games, but the supporting cast will have to be even better tomorrow night for them to beat the Terriers.
Furman 69, Chattanooga 67
Player of the Game: Devin Sibley scored 16 points with six rebounds. He made 4 of 11 from the field, but he made 7 of 8 from the free throw line.
Stat of the Game: Furman made 27 of 32 from the free throw line. The Mocs made just 13 of 19. That fourteen free throw difference was the biggest difference in the game. The Paladins making 84.4% of their free throws was way above their season average and another reason that they won in surprising fashion.
Where Chattanooga goes from here: The Mocs lose only one senior, Rico White. This team will likely be in another postseason tournament. Next year was supposed to be the year this team was pointing towards. However, this is a remarkably disappointing loss. They have now lost six consecutive SoCon Tournament games. This program has to learn how to win in SoCon Tournaments again before they can be fully turned around. It was one of the better seasons in Chattanooga basketball history in a lot of ways, but a very disappointing ending.
Where Furman goes from here: Straight to a very unlikely semifinal bid opposite Mercer. They are playing with house money now. This club is young and on the rise, and they finally proved it tonight with this gutsy performance. They made key free throws down the stretch, something they struggled with all year long. They played a very nice game all the way around.
Mercer 89, VMI 61
Player of the Game: TJ Hallice scored 19 points on 8 of 10 shooting from the floor. He also collected nine rebounds. He can be a dominant player when the other team does not have a good inside player. This was one of those match-ups.
Stat of the Game: VMI shot only 37.9% from the floor. The Keydets have not shot the ball well in losses, and this was one of those games. They had gotten better from the floor in recent weeks and really needed to shoot well in this one to come up with the win.
Where VMI goes from here: The Keydets have just one contributing senior- Brian Brown. This team could be better next year, but unless they get much better at shooting the ball in the offseason, there are going to continue to be problems for this squad. They don't shoot the ball well enough to win consistently in the SoCon at this point. They have to start shooting the ball better.
Where Mercer goes from here: The Bears are going to the semifinals and get a chance to play the last place team in the conference in Furman. They have a relatively easy path to the finals now. The Bears did not commit a lot of turnovers, really protecting the ball against the Keydet pressure. That was very impressive. If they are going to continue playing like they played tonight, they may well be the favorite to win the entire championship.
Player of the Game: Spencer Collins scored 21 points on 9 of 14 shooting from the floor. On a night where Karl Cochran and Lee Skinner both struggled for much of the game, Collins stepped up in a big way and provided the difference in this one.
Stat of the Game: Wofford shot 50% from the floor. The Terriers were pretty hot from the floor on the whole and the Spartans made just 35.1% of their shots. UNCG needed to shoot the ball well to win and hold the Terriers down. It didn't happen.
Where UNCG goes from here: The Spartans injury problems throughout the year should be better next year. There will be no Nicholas Paulos, but the rest of the team returns and this club looked better down the stretch. They should continue that improvement next year and should finish in the top half of the conference. This team has talent- they just have to get better from here. It seems likely that Wes Miller will return for another year- for better or worse.
Where Wofford goes from here: The Terriers advance to the semifinals against Western Carolina and now are just two wins away from a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The Terriers looked like a motivated team and a team that it is going to be extraordinarily difficult to beat. The Terriers defense was top of the line today. If they continue to defend like that, they become an even bigger favorite in this tournament.
Western Carolina 67, ETSU 61 (OT)
Player of the Game: James Sinclair scored 30 points, had 14 rebounds and had six steals. Truly a remarkable game from Sinclair, who had outscored ETSU on his own for a long time. Sinclair's play was really amazing in this one.
Stat of the Game: Jalen Riley shot 2 of 11 from the floor and scored just eight points. The SoCon's leading scorer was held nearly silent. He simply had an off night. Honestly, it was amazing that ETSU was able to take the game to overtime given how poorly Riley played for most of the night.
Where ETSU goes from here: This club was made up of a solid core of seniors. Jalen Riley, Rashawn Rembert, the injured Ron Giplaye, and Alex Bates were all seniors. This was the year this team was supposed to make a run. Lester Wilson, AJ Merriweather, Petey McClain, Devin Harris and Desonta Bradford are all back. This team may be OK next year, but it is hard to find them as a better team next year. This team underachieved, there is no question. That may mean that next year's team can match this year's, but they are unlikely to be contenders for the SoCon title.
Where Western Carolina goes from here: The Catamounts advance to the semifinals against Wofford and will get yet another chance to take out a number one seed in Asheville. Last year, Western Carolina shocked Davidson right out of the SoCon in the semifinals. Can they do the same thing again? Sinclair and Mike Brown had big games, but the supporting cast will have to be even better tomorrow night for them to beat the Terriers.
Furman 69, Chattanooga 67
Player of the Game: Devin Sibley scored 16 points with six rebounds. He made 4 of 11 from the field, but he made 7 of 8 from the free throw line.
Stat of the Game: Furman made 27 of 32 from the free throw line. The Mocs made just 13 of 19. That fourteen free throw difference was the biggest difference in the game. The Paladins making 84.4% of their free throws was way above their season average and another reason that they won in surprising fashion.
Where Chattanooga goes from here: The Mocs lose only one senior, Rico White. This team will likely be in another postseason tournament. Next year was supposed to be the year this team was pointing towards. However, this is a remarkably disappointing loss. They have now lost six consecutive SoCon Tournament games. This program has to learn how to win in SoCon Tournaments again before they can be fully turned around. It was one of the better seasons in Chattanooga basketball history in a lot of ways, but a very disappointing ending.
Where Furman goes from here: Straight to a very unlikely semifinal bid opposite Mercer. They are playing with house money now. This club is young and on the rise, and they finally proved it tonight with this gutsy performance. They made key free throws down the stretch, something they struggled with all year long. They played a very nice game all the way around.
Mercer 89, VMI 61
Player of the Game: TJ Hallice scored 19 points on 8 of 10 shooting from the floor. He also collected nine rebounds. He can be a dominant player when the other team does not have a good inside player. This was one of those match-ups.
Stat of the Game: VMI shot only 37.9% from the floor. The Keydets have not shot the ball well in losses, and this was one of those games. They had gotten better from the floor in recent weeks and really needed to shoot well in this one to come up with the win.
Where VMI goes from here: The Keydets have just one contributing senior- Brian Brown. This team could be better next year, but unless they get much better at shooting the ball in the offseason, there are going to continue to be problems for this squad. They don't shoot the ball well enough to win consistently in the SoCon at this point. They have to start shooting the ball better.
Where Mercer goes from here: The Bears are going to the semifinals and get a chance to play the last place team in the conference in Furman. They have a relatively easy path to the finals now. The Bears did not commit a lot of turnovers, really protecting the ball against the Keydet pressure. That was very impressive. If they are going to continue playing like they played tonight, they may well be the favorite to win the entire championship.
Friday, March 6, 2015
SoCon Tournament Challenge Standings Through Day One
Day Two picks in parentheses and player pick overall:
1t) Cody Cooper 2 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, VMI, Karl Cochran)
1t) Dash Spartan 2 (UNCG, ETSU, Chattanooga, VMI, Jalen Riley)
1t) JohnMoc1 2 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, VMI, Justin Tuoyo)
4t) SoCon John 1 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, VMI, Stephen Croone)
4t) MJR 1 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, Mercer, Karl Cochran)
4t) NGR 1 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, Mercer, Karl Cochran)
4t) Alexander Kelly 1 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, VMI, Karl Cochran)
4t) Terry Major 1 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, Mercer, Casey Jones)
4t) Shelton Moss 1 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, VMI, Casey Jones)
4t) Christopher Bourean 1 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, Mercer, Karl Cochran)
4t) Charles Cowherd 1 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, VMI, Julian Eleby)
12t) Michael James 0 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, Mercer, Jalen Riley)
12t) Jerry Love 0 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, Mercer, James Sinclair)
12t) Harrison Hudson 0 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, Mercer, Karl Cochran)
12t) DC_Int'l 0 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, Mercer, Karl Cochran)
Thanks for playing and keep on checking back!
1t) Cody Cooper 2 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, VMI, Karl Cochran)
1t) Dash Spartan 2 (UNCG, ETSU, Chattanooga, VMI, Jalen Riley)
1t) JohnMoc1 2 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, VMI, Justin Tuoyo)
4t) SoCon John 1 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, VMI, Stephen Croone)
4t) MJR 1 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, Mercer, Karl Cochran)
4t) NGR 1 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, Mercer, Karl Cochran)
4t) Alexander Kelly 1 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, VMI, Karl Cochran)
4t) Terry Major 1 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, Mercer, Casey Jones)
4t) Shelton Moss 1 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, VMI, Casey Jones)
4t) Christopher Bourean 1 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, Mercer, Karl Cochran)
4t) Charles Cowherd 1 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, VMI, Julian Eleby)
12t) Michael James 0 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, Mercer, Jalen Riley)
12t) Jerry Love 0 (Wofford, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, Mercer, James Sinclair)
12t) Harrison Hudson 0 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, Mercer, Karl Cochran)
12t) DC_Int'l 0 (Wofford, ETSU, Chattanooga, Mercer, Karl Cochran)
Thanks for playing and keep on checking back!
SoCon Tournament Day Two
Game of the Day: Mercer vs. VMI
Time: 8:30 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Mercer won both games against VMI this year, but the two teams have not met since January 5. On December 6 in Macon, the Bears won 90-81. The Keydets had the game tied at 78, before the Bears went on a 12-0 run to put the game away. VMI shot just 37.8% from the floor and were outrebounded 47-29. Mercer made 50.9% from the floor. On January 5, in Lexington, Mercer won 85-75. Phillip Leonard and Darious Moten each scored 21 points. VMI shot just 37.5% from the floor and the Bears shot 55.1%. QJ Peterson played in both games for the Keydets.
Match-up: The Keydets pressure defense did cause some problems for the Bears in their two match-ups. The Bears turned the ball over sixteen times both games. Mercer is the most efficient offense in the conference and they will look to slow the pace down and be efficient. The Bears are very good at that. This is the sort of team that Darious Moten and Phillip Leonard should do well against, as well as Ike Nwamu. Still, VMI has been one of the worst shooting teams in the conference all year, but they just recently started shooting the ball better. Tim Marshall, Brian Brown and Julian Eleby have taken turns shooting lights out. Phillip Anglade has also been a key part of the rebounding and defensive game plan, as well as contributing on the offensive end.
Prediction: This is not what the Bears wanted in a match-up. How hard is it to win three games in three days when your first game is against a team that presses like VMI? It would appear that it would be much more difficult. Still, Mercer is expected to win this game, and Nwamu and Moten will make their share of athletic plays. However, the Keydets have been shooting the ball much better in recent games and seem primed to pull one major upset at least in this tournament. They have the skill set to do it. The Keydets squeak out a very close win. Keydets 76, Bears 75.
Wofford vs. UNCG
Time: 12:00 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Wofford swept the season series. On January 29, Wofford won 58-42 in Greensboro. Wofford shot 60% from the floor and the Spartans shot 31.7%. Spencer Collins scored 14 points. The Spartans did collect 17 offensive rebounds and the Terriers got just three. In the second meeting in Spartanburg, the Spartans jumped out to a ten point halftime lead before falling 77-62. Both teams shot 46% from the floor. The Terriers made 23 of 29 from the free throw line. Karl Cochran scored 18 points. After that loss, the Spartans rattled off three wins in four games, with the lone loss the controversial loss to Chattanooga at the buzzer.
Match-up: The Spartans height presents a challenge to the Terriers. Lee Skinner and Justin Gordon are solid inside performers. CJ Neumann is another good player. But Kayel Locke, Marvin Smith and RJ White are at least as good, if not better. The Spartans will have to get the ball consistently to White and Locke. They need to have dominant performances. Diante Baldwin played so well against the Bulldogs on Friday night. Can Baldwin lift the Spartans? Nicholas Paulos also made 4 of 6 from three point range. Paulos will have to make long range shots to keep the Spartans in it. Then there is Tevon Saddler. He can take the ball to the rim, but needs to play under control. The Terriers are a very good defensive team. Karl Cochran will be an important part of the offense. He will need to be knocking down shots to help the Terriers. Spencer Collins is the second half of the scoring guard tandem. Eric Garcia makes the team go at point guard. His return from injury has been huge.
Prediction: The Spartans will give the Terriers a battle to the end. This team is talented enough to beat the Terriers. Sometimes a team playing their first game in the tournament struggles early. That has happened to the Terriers twice against the Spartans already. The Spartans are playing with such confidence right now, they can jump out to a big lead on the Terriers. Would the Terriers be able to come back from that kind of deficit? Maybe- maybe not. This game is worthy of a semifinal match-up, not a quarterfinal match-up. The Terriers survive, but it will be a survive and advance kind of game. Terriers 68, Spartans 64.
Western Carolina vs. ETSU
Time: 2:30 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: ETSU swept Western Carolina during the regular season, though the two teams last met on January 15. On December 3, the Bucs won 96-89. The Bucs shot 30 threes out of 59 total shots, making 15 long range shots. Jalen Riley and Rashawn Rembert combined to score 53 points. Rhett Harrelson scored 30 for the Catamounts. They simply turned the ball over too much, committing 17 turnovers. On January 15 in Cullowhee, the Bucs won 83-76. ETSU again was hot from distance, shooting 57.9% from three point range. Riley and Rembert combined for 52 points. James Sinclair scored 25 points, and the Catamounts again committed too many turnovers, 19 this time.
Match-up: The Bucs have a height disadvantage, which is typical. Torrion Brummitt and Justin Browning need to be good inside presences for the Catamounts. They will have the advantage in the paint. However, the Bucs guard play is excellent. Lester Wilson, Rembert and Riley are an excellent trio of guards and scorers. Riley will need to have a big game for the Bucs to have a chance. This is Riley's chance for a memorable March moment. James Sinclair and Mike Brown can match up, guard for guard with the Bucs. The question is if Harrelson will produce anything. Since the calendar turned to February, he has scored in double figures just twice, including just a combined six points in the last two games. The Catamounts have a tendency to turn the ball over a lot, and that is something they need to cut down on for them to have a chance to make a run in this tournament.
Prediction: There's just something about Asheville. These Catamounts have made runs to championship games multiple times in Asheville in recent years, and always seem to have solid performances there. This Western Carolina team has not been playing particularly well, but neither have the Bucs. Each come in struggling. It is also very hard to beat a team three times in a season. Combine the beating teams three times and the fact that this is in Asheville and that this is basically a toss up game, and that is why the Catamounts get the nod. Catamounts 78, Bucs 76.
Chattanooga vs. Furman
Time: 6:00 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Chattanooga beat Furman twice during the season, beating the Paladins 72-60 on January 3 in Chattanooga. Casey Jones scored 20 points with eleven rebounds for the Mocs. They shot 49% from the floor. The Mocs shot 49% from the floor. In Greenville, the Mocs won in overtime, 74-71. Jones scored 14 with eleven rebounds, and Justin Tuoyo scored 20. The Paladins dominated the boards, 41-32 and shot 47.2% from the floor. The Paladins did turn the ball over 13 times to the Mocs eight.
Match-up: Kris Acox is the SoCon's leading rebounder. Justin Tuoyo will be a tough match-up though. Can Acox hold his own? Stephen Croone is the Paladins best player, though, and he can be a dominant scorer. He scored 31 against the Mocs in Greenville. He is such a tough match-up for any team to handle if he is playing at 100%. He sure looked like it on Friday night. Casey Jones has had two pretty solid performances for the Mocs against the Paladins as well. Jones and Croone are two of the SoCon's top players and hopefully they put on the kind of memorable show worth watching. Tuoyo's defensive prowess will be critical in this game as well. He will be trying to cut off Croone's path once he gets into the paint. Also, Tre McLean will be important for the Mocs. He has become their defensive stopper. The Paladins freshman, Daniel Fowler, John Davis III, Devin Sibley and Geoff Beans are all going to be solid contributors. They need to grow up in this tournament for the Paladins to go far. No time like the present to start growing up.
Prediction: The Mocs are the superior team to the Paladins. The way the Paladins make a run in this one is to get Tuoyo in foul trouble, have Croone have a huge night, and have at least a couple of the freshman step up. Is it possible? Sure it is. The Paladins are capable of a run. However, they have not won back-to-back games against D1 teams all year long. They have won two out of their last three, with only a close home loss to Wofford keeping them from having three straight wins. The Mocs seem likely to come out and win this one with relative ease, but they need to be careful. Mocs 71, Paladins 62.
Time: 8:30 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Mercer won both games against VMI this year, but the two teams have not met since January 5. On December 6 in Macon, the Bears won 90-81. The Keydets had the game tied at 78, before the Bears went on a 12-0 run to put the game away. VMI shot just 37.8% from the floor and were outrebounded 47-29. Mercer made 50.9% from the floor. On January 5, in Lexington, Mercer won 85-75. Phillip Leonard and Darious Moten each scored 21 points. VMI shot just 37.5% from the floor and the Bears shot 55.1%. QJ Peterson played in both games for the Keydets.
Match-up: The Keydets pressure defense did cause some problems for the Bears in their two match-ups. The Bears turned the ball over sixteen times both games. Mercer is the most efficient offense in the conference and they will look to slow the pace down and be efficient. The Bears are very good at that. This is the sort of team that Darious Moten and Phillip Leonard should do well against, as well as Ike Nwamu. Still, VMI has been one of the worst shooting teams in the conference all year, but they just recently started shooting the ball better. Tim Marshall, Brian Brown and Julian Eleby have taken turns shooting lights out. Phillip Anglade has also been a key part of the rebounding and defensive game plan, as well as contributing on the offensive end.
Prediction: This is not what the Bears wanted in a match-up. How hard is it to win three games in three days when your first game is against a team that presses like VMI? It would appear that it would be much more difficult. Still, Mercer is expected to win this game, and Nwamu and Moten will make their share of athletic plays. However, the Keydets have been shooting the ball much better in recent games and seem primed to pull one major upset at least in this tournament. They have the skill set to do it. The Keydets squeak out a very close win. Keydets 76, Bears 75.
Wofford vs. UNCG
Time: 12:00 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Wofford swept the season series. On January 29, Wofford won 58-42 in Greensboro. Wofford shot 60% from the floor and the Spartans shot 31.7%. Spencer Collins scored 14 points. The Spartans did collect 17 offensive rebounds and the Terriers got just three. In the second meeting in Spartanburg, the Spartans jumped out to a ten point halftime lead before falling 77-62. Both teams shot 46% from the floor. The Terriers made 23 of 29 from the free throw line. Karl Cochran scored 18 points. After that loss, the Spartans rattled off three wins in four games, with the lone loss the controversial loss to Chattanooga at the buzzer.
Match-up: The Spartans height presents a challenge to the Terriers. Lee Skinner and Justin Gordon are solid inside performers. CJ Neumann is another good player. But Kayel Locke, Marvin Smith and RJ White are at least as good, if not better. The Spartans will have to get the ball consistently to White and Locke. They need to have dominant performances. Diante Baldwin played so well against the Bulldogs on Friday night. Can Baldwin lift the Spartans? Nicholas Paulos also made 4 of 6 from three point range. Paulos will have to make long range shots to keep the Spartans in it. Then there is Tevon Saddler. He can take the ball to the rim, but needs to play under control. The Terriers are a very good defensive team. Karl Cochran will be an important part of the offense. He will need to be knocking down shots to help the Terriers. Spencer Collins is the second half of the scoring guard tandem. Eric Garcia makes the team go at point guard. His return from injury has been huge.
Prediction: The Spartans will give the Terriers a battle to the end. This team is talented enough to beat the Terriers. Sometimes a team playing their first game in the tournament struggles early. That has happened to the Terriers twice against the Spartans already. The Spartans are playing with such confidence right now, they can jump out to a big lead on the Terriers. Would the Terriers be able to come back from that kind of deficit? Maybe- maybe not. This game is worthy of a semifinal match-up, not a quarterfinal match-up. The Terriers survive, but it will be a survive and advance kind of game. Terriers 68, Spartans 64.
Western Carolina vs. ETSU
Time: 2:30 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: ETSU swept Western Carolina during the regular season, though the two teams last met on January 15. On December 3, the Bucs won 96-89. The Bucs shot 30 threes out of 59 total shots, making 15 long range shots. Jalen Riley and Rashawn Rembert combined to score 53 points. Rhett Harrelson scored 30 for the Catamounts. They simply turned the ball over too much, committing 17 turnovers. On January 15 in Cullowhee, the Bucs won 83-76. ETSU again was hot from distance, shooting 57.9% from three point range. Riley and Rembert combined for 52 points. James Sinclair scored 25 points, and the Catamounts again committed too many turnovers, 19 this time.
Match-up: The Bucs have a height disadvantage, which is typical. Torrion Brummitt and Justin Browning need to be good inside presences for the Catamounts. They will have the advantage in the paint. However, the Bucs guard play is excellent. Lester Wilson, Rembert and Riley are an excellent trio of guards and scorers. Riley will need to have a big game for the Bucs to have a chance. This is Riley's chance for a memorable March moment. James Sinclair and Mike Brown can match up, guard for guard with the Bucs. The question is if Harrelson will produce anything. Since the calendar turned to February, he has scored in double figures just twice, including just a combined six points in the last two games. The Catamounts have a tendency to turn the ball over a lot, and that is something they need to cut down on for them to have a chance to make a run in this tournament.
Prediction: There's just something about Asheville. These Catamounts have made runs to championship games multiple times in Asheville in recent years, and always seem to have solid performances there. This Western Carolina team has not been playing particularly well, but neither have the Bucs. Each come in struggling. It is also very hard to beat a team three times in a season. Combine the beating teams three times and the fact that this is in Asheville and that this is basically a toss up game, and that is why the Catamounts get the nod. Catamounts 78, Bucs 76.
Chattanooga vs. Furman
Time: 6:00 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Chattanooga beat Furman twice during the season, beating the Paladins 72-60 on January 3 in Chattanooga. Casey Jones scored 20 points with eleven rebounds for the Mocs. They shot 49% from the floor. The Mocs shot 49% from the floor. In Greenville, the Mocs won in overtime, 74-71. Jones scored 14 with eleven rebounds, and Justin Tuoyo scored 20. The Paladins dominated the boards, 41-32 and shot 47.2% from the floor. The Paladins did turn the ball over 13 times to the Mocs eight.
Match-up: Kris Acox is the SoCon's leading rebounder. Justin Tuoyo will be a tough match-up though. Can Acox hold his own? Stephen Croone is the Paladins best player, though, and he can be a dominant scorer. He scored 31 against the Mocs in Greenville. He is such a tough match-up for any team to handle if he is playing at 100%. He sure looked like it on Friday night. Casey Jones has had two pretty solid performances for the Mocs against the Paladins as well. Jones and Croone are two of the SoCon's top players and hopefully they put on the kind of memorable show worth watching. Tuoyo's defensive prowess will be critical in this game as well. He will be trying to cut off Croone's path once he gets into the paint. Also, Tre McLean will be important for the Mocs. He has become their defensive stopper. The Paladins freshman, Daniel Fowler, John Davis III, Devin Sibley and Geoff Beans are all going to be solid contributors. They need to grow up in this tournament for the Paladins to go far. No time like the present to start growing up.
Prediction: The Mocs are the superior team to the Paladins. The way the Paladins make a run in this one is to get Tuoyo in foul trouble, have Croone have a huge night, and have at least a couple of the freshman step up. Is it possible? Sure it is. The Paladins are capable of a run. However, they have not won back-to-back games against D1 teams all year long. They have won two out of their last three, with only a close home loss to Wofford keeping them from having three straight wins. The Mocs seem likely to come out and win this one with relative ease, but they need to be careful. Mocs 71, Paladins 62.
SoCon Day One Review
UNCG 81, Samford 76
Player of the Game: Diante Baldwin poured in 19 points with seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. He shot 7 of 15 from the floor. Baldwin has been a great asset as a point guard for the Spartans and has been a key player. He was the best player on the floor.
Stat of the Game: UNCG collected 37 rebounds and Samford got just 26. The Spartans size clearly bothered the Bulldogs and helped them come up with the big win.
Where Samford goes from here: Tyler Hood and Michael Bradley both are gone, but this team is clearly on the rise. Christen Cunningham is one of the top freshman in the league, Darius Jones-Gibson will be a Player of the Year candidate next year and Evan Taylor has been showing improvement. Give Scott Padgett time, and this team will be a contender in the SoCon- possibly as early as next year. They are coming.
Where UNCG goes from here: Now, the Spartans get a chance against Wofford in the quarterfinals. This team certainly has the talent to beat the Terriers, even though they will be substantial underdogs. The Spartans continue to play good basketball. They were really not a good team in January, but in February and now March, they have turned into one of the SoCon's hotter teams. Their game with Wofford is deserving of being called a semifinal match-up.
Furman 73, The Citadel 56
Player of the Game: Stephen Croone scored 27 points. He was amazing in this game. Croone is one of the best players in the SoCon, and he showed it in this one. No one gets to the basket like he does. Croone is a special talent.
Stat of the Game: The Citadel committed eighteen turnover and Furman had just eight. The Paladins dominance in the turnover battle was one of the key differences in this game.
Where The Citadel goes from here: Ashton Moore went out with a dud. Brian White and Jake Wright are young players going forward. The Bulldogs took some steps this year, but, in the end, the steps were minimal. Chuck Driesell may be on his last legs as the coach for the Bulldogs and may be the most likely coach to not return next year in the SoCon. This team was one of the worst defensive teams in the country and showed some major offensive flaws tonight.
Where Furman goes from here: The Paladins head to the quarterfinals to take on the second seeded Chattanooga Mocs. The Paladins played really great basketball in this one. If they continue to play like they did tonight, this team can win another game or two in this tournament. This was impressive all the way around. Geoff Beans and Devin Sibley played very well in their first tournament game for the Paladins.
Player of the Game: Diante Baldwin poured in 19 points with seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. He shot 7 of 15 from the floor. Baldwin has been a great asset as a point guard for the Spartans and has been a key player. He was the best player on the floor.
Stat of the Game: UNCG collected 37 rebounds and Samford got just 26. The Spartans size clearly bothered the Bulldogs and helped them come up with the big win.
Where Samford goes from here: Tyler Hood and Michael Bradley both are gone, but this team is clearly on the rise. Christen Cunningham is one of the top freshman in the league, Darius Jones-Gibson will be a Player of the Year candidate next year and Evan Taylor has been showing improvement. Give Scott Padgett time, and this team will be a contender in the SoCon- possibly as early as next year. They are coming.
Where UNCG goes from here: Now, the Spartans get a chance against Wofford in the quarterfinals. This team certainly has the talent to beat the Terriers, even though they will be substantial underdogs. The Spartans continue to play good basketball. They were really not a good team in January, but in February and now March, they have turned into one of the SoCon's hotter teams. Their game with Wofford is deserving of being called a semifinal match-up.
Furman 73, The Citadel 56
Player of the Game: Stephen Croone scored 27 points. He was amazing in this game. Croone is one of the best players in the SoCon, and he showed it in this one. No one gets to the basket like he does. Croone is a special talent.
Stat of the Game: The Citadel committed eighteen turnover and Furman had just eight. The Paladins dominance in the turnover battle was one of the key differences in this game.
Where The Citadel goes from here: Ashton Moore went out with a dud. Brian White and Jake Wright are young players going forward. The Bulldogs took some steps this year, but, in the end, the steps were minimal. Chuck Driesell may be on his last legs as the coach for the Bulldogs and may be the most likely coach to not return next year in the SoCon. This team was one of the worst defensive teams in the country and showed some major offensive flaws tonight.
Where Furman goes from here: The Paladins head to the quarterfinals to take on the second seeded Chattanooga Mocs. The Paladins played really great basketball in this one. If they continue to play like they did tonight, this team can win another game or two in this tournament. This was impressive all the way around. Geoff Beans and Devin Sibley played very well in their first tournament game for the Paladins.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
SoCon Tournament Day One Preview
Game of the Day- UNCG vs. Samford
Time: 6:00 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: The teams split the season series, each winning on their home floor. In the first match-up on January 22, Samford won 89-78 for their first SoCon win. UNCG turned the ball over sixteen times, and the Bulldogs shot 52.5% from the floor in coming up with the win. They also knocked down 21 of 21 from the free throw line. Darius Jones-Gibson scored 20 with five rebounds and five assists. On February 26, UNCG won 81-67. RJ White scored 24 points and collected 12 rebounds. UNCG turned the ball over just nine times and held Samford to 43.8% shooting. They also won the battle of the boards, 37-30.
Match-up: The biggest difference in the two match-ups was the Spartans ability to protect the ball and not turn it over. As the season progressed, that was something the Spartans did get better at, along with defending and not fouling quite as frequently. Samford, who made just 19 of 31 from the free throw line last Thursday, has to shoot free throws well and force some turnovers with their pressure. Tevon Saddler and Diante Baldwin need to protect the ball and make some offensive plays. RJ White, Kayel Locke and Marvin Smith are playing very well inside. The Bulldogs Christen Cunningham, who won the Scanning the SoCon Freshman of the Year, may feel like he has something to prove after not winning the official Freshman of the Year award. Cunningham can be quite good. Last weekend, he averaged 20.5 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the two games, so he is playing good basketball. Darius Jones-Gibson and Tyler Hood are the Bulldogs two leading scorers.
Prediction: This is a game deserving of being played on Saturday. To me, these two teams have played well enough lately to be playing for a spot in the semifinals. Unfortunately for these teams, they did not earn that right, and so it makes for a very compelling first game of the tournament. The winner gets to play Wofford on Saturday. The Spartans RJ White is playing so well right now, it is hard to imagine that the Bulldogs have the power to slow him down. The Bulldogs pressure defense has to force turnovers for them to have a chance. The key for the Spartans is what Baldwin and Saddler do protecting the ball. If the Spartans turn it over fifteen times, the Bulldogs win. If they turn it over less than ten, the Spartans win. If it is somewhere in-between, the game will be a toss up. Spartans 79, Bulldogs 74.
The Citadel vs. Furman
Time: 8:30 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Furman and The Citadel split the season series, each winning on the other's home court. On January 17, following the Bulldogs stirring win over Wofford, Furman walked into Charleston and won 74-62. Stephen Croone scored just 11, but Devin Sibley poured in 25. The Paladins crushed the Bulldogs on the glass, collecting 46.7% of their offensive rebounds, which is a huge number. Both teams just turned it over six times, and Furman shot over 50%. On February 19, the Citadel got their revenge, winning 62-56 in overtime. Croone scored 23 points. The Bulldogs did a much better job on the defensive glass. Furman also shot just 37.7% from the floor that night, something that the Bulldogs do not do frequently. Ashton Moore scored 20, with seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Match-up: The Bulldogs defense ranks as one of the very worst in the entire country. They simply have been unable to stop teams from shooting the ball effectively against them. Yes, they held Furman to 37.7% the last time they played, but that almost has never happened. The Bulldogs slow paced offense helps hide some of the defensive inefficiencies. The Bulldogs will need Moore to have a huge game. He is capable of that. He averaged 18.3 on the season. Furman will need some players to step up. Croone was injured last week and John Davis III played brilliantly in his absence. With Croone back, and Davis III playing great basketball, this team can be dangerous. Sibley, the SoCon Freshman of the Year, needs to get going as well. The Paladins rebound reasonably well behind Kris Acox. This team also gets to the free throw line better than any other team in the league, mainly because of Croone's ability to attack the rim.
Prediction: It really comes down to this- the Paladins shot poorly against The Citadel. If they shoot the ball at about 50% like so many Bulldog opponents did all year, the Paladins will win this game. The Bulldogs will not be able to keep up. Furman is the bottom seed in the tournament, but they may be the slight favorite in this game, believe it or not. Croone has a big game and guides the young Paladins to a win that will propel them into a quarterfinal match-up with Chattanooga. Paladins 64, Bulldogs 57.
Time: 6:00 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: The teams split the season series, each winning on their home floor. In the first match-up on January 22, Samford won 89-78 for their first SoCon win. UNCG turned the ball over sixteen times, and the Bulldogs shot 52.5% from the floor in coming up with the win. They also knocked down 21 of 21 from the free throw line. Darius Jones-Gibson scored 20 with five rebounds and five assists. On February 26, UNCG won 81-67. RJ White scored 24 points and collected 12 rebounds. UNCG turned the ball over just nine times and held Samford to 43.8% shooting. They also won the battle of the boards, 37-30.
Match-up: The biggest difference in the two match-ups was the Spartans ability to protect the ball and not turn it over. As the season progressed, that was something the Spartans did get better at, along with defending and not fouling quite as frequently. Samford, who made just 19 of 31 from the free throw line last Thursday, has to shoot free throws well and force some turnovers with their pressure. Tevon Saddler and Diante Baldwin need to protect the ball and make some offensive plays. RJ White, Kayel Locke and Marvin Smith are playing very well inside. The Bulldogs Christen Cunningham, who won the Scanning the SoCon Freshman of the Year, may feel like he has something to prove after not winning the official Freshman of the Year award. Cunningham can be quite good. Last weekend, he averaged 20.5 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the two games, so he is playing good basketball. Darius Jones-Gibson and Tyler Hood are the Bulldogs two leading scorers.
Prediction: This is a game deserving of being played on Saturday. To me, these two teams have played well enough lately to be playing for a spot in the semifinals. Unfortunately for these teams, they did not earn that right, and so it makes for a very compelling first game of the tournament. The winner gets to play Wofford on Saturday. The Spartans RJ White is playing so well right now, it is hard to imagine that the Bulldogs have the power to slow him down. The Bulldogs pressure defense has to force turnovers for them to have a chance. The key for the Spartans is what Baldwin and Saddler do protecting the ball. If the Spartans turn it over fifteen times, the Bulldogs win. If they turn it over less than ten, the Spartans win. If it is somewhere in-between, the game will be a toss up. Spartans 79, Bulldogs 74.
The Citadel vs. Furman
Time: 8:30 PM
Broadcast: ESPN3
Previously: Furman and The Citadel split the season series, each winning on the other's home court. On January 17, following the Bulldogs stirring win over Wofford, Furman walked into Charleston and won 74-62. Stephen Croone scored just 11, but Devin Sibley poured in 25. The Paladins crushed the Bulldogs on the glass, collecting 46.7% of their offensive rebounds, which is a huge number. Both teams just turned it over six times, and Furman shot over 50%. On February 19, the Citadel got their revenge, winning 62-56 in overtime. Croone scored 23 points. The Bulldogs did a much better job on the defensive glass. Furman also shot just 37.7% from the floor that night, something that the Bulldogs do not do frequently. Ashton Moore scored 20, with seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Match-up: The Bulldogs defense ranks as one of the very worst in the entire country. They simply have been unable to stop teams from shooting the ball effectively against them. Yes, they held Furman to 37.7% the last time they played, but that almost has never happened. The Bulldogs slow paced offense helps hide some of the defensive inefficiencies. The Bulldogs will need Moore to have a huge game. He is capable of that. He averaged 18.3 on the season. Furman will need some players to step up. Croone was injured last week and John Davis III played brilliantly in his absence. With Croone back, and Davis III playing great basketball, this team can be dangerous. Sibley, the SoCon Freshman of the Year, needs to get going as well. The Paladins rebound reasonably well behind Kris Acox. This team also gets to the free throw line better than any other team in the league, mainly because of Croone's ability to attack the rim.
Prediction: It really comes down to this- the Paladins shot poorly against The Citadel. If they shoot the ball at about 50% like so many Bulldog opponents did all year, the Paladins will win this game. The Bulldogs will not be able to keep up. Furman is the bottom seed in the tournament, but they may be the slight favorite in this game, believe it or not. Croone has a big game and guides the young Paladins to a win that will propel them into a quarterfinal match-up with Chattanooga. Paladins 64, Bulldogs 57.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Seed Wars: Predicting Where Every Team Would Be Seeded
Every team dreams of going to the Big Dance, the NCAA Tournament, March Madness. Only one likely will from the SoCon (I suppose there is some world out there where for some reason the committee decides to take Wofford even if they lose in the SoCon Tournament, though that seems very unlikely).
This time of year, every team can dream. Every team can hope. It's the beauty of college basketball and the conference tournaments. Everyone is just between nine and twelve wins from the national title.
So, it is with this in mind, that we take our annual look at where each team would be seeded if they managed to win the SoCon Tournament in Asheville this weekend. If your team raises the trophy on Monday evening shortly after 9:00, you will start asking, "What seed do you think we get?" This is your answer. Or your best guess, given that we don't know ANY winners of any other conference or how other teams around will finish up yet. But this is the best guess, in alphabetical order.
Chattanooga
When looking at the Mocs RPI and where it would fit into the overall picture, it seems pretty safe to predict that the Mocs would get no lower than a 15 seed, and possibly as high as a 13 seed. A Mocs championship would put them at 23-9 against D1 teams, and give them at least one win versus a Top 100 team and possibly a second (depending on if they play Wofford again). Their RPI would likely be in the Top 90 at least, maybe as high as into the 70s. That could be enough to squeak into a 13 seed if everything broke right and should be good enough for a 14 seed. A 15 seed is possible, but unlikely.
ETSU
If the Bucs manage to win the SoCon Tournament, they would be 17-13 against D1 schools. Their RPI wouldn't be a total disaster (probably in the 120s), and they have beaten North Carolina Central, who is unbeaten in their conference and in the Top 100. They could also have beaten Chattanooga and Wofford to get their, which could be two more Top 100 wins. It seems that the Bucs would likely avoid Dayton, but would not be able to avoid the number 16 seed. It is hard to imagine them getting a 15 seed. However, they should be able to avoid Dayton.
Furman
The Paladins would be 10-21 against D1 competition if they raise the trophy on Monday night. While it would be a tremendous run by the tenth seed in the SoCon Tournament, it would not do anything except for put them in Dayton. Regardless, Stephen Croone is a great player and may present a challenge in the First Four to whoever they play. Still, it seems very unlikely they would win, and no number one seed would be shaking in their boots seeing the Paladins.
Mercer
The Bears leave you scratching your head. After all, this is the same team that beat Duke in the tournament last year. Yes, they lost almost everyone, but the coach is the same, and many of the players were around the program a year ago. However, they would just be 18-14 against D1 competition if they won the SoCon Tournament. They have only beaten one Top 100 at this point and that's Chattanooga. If they beat the Mocs again, the Mocs may not be a Top 100 win anymore. To get any, they would have to beat Wofford in the championship game. No number one seed wants to see their name pop up with Mercer opposite them on Selection Sunday. Yet, if Mercer wins the SoCon Tournament, that is likely what they would find. Would the Bears be in Dayton? Maybe, but I doubt it. More than likely, this team would be a 16 seed. There is an outside chance the committee gives them a 15, or puts them in Dayton, but odds are they avoid Dayton and get a 16.
Samford
The Bulldogs would be 16-18 against D1 competition if they won the SoCon Tournament and almost certainly would find themselves in Dayton. Still, their style of play could cause a huge problem for an opponent in the First Four, and would not be a pleasant foe for a number one seed, though they probably are not quite ready yet for that challenge.
The Citadel
The Bulldogs would be 12-18 against D1 competition and it is hard to imagine that they would be participating in anything except for in Dayton. The Bulldogs RPI would probably be in the Top 280 at that point, but there is no way that they find their way any higher. It is also very unlikely that the Bulldogs would be competitive against a one seed. It also seems unlikely that they would win in Dayton, but hey- to finally get to their first NCAA Tournament would make up for any other problems.
UNCG
The Spartans would be 11-21 against D1 competition if they find their way to the NCAA Tournament. That being said, UNCG has talent. Still, this club would definitely find itself playing in Dayton, with a chance of winning there. The Spartans are playing well enough to wind up winning in the First Four, but highly unlikely to provide any real threat to a one seed.
VMI
The Keydets would be 12-18 against D1 teams if they managed to win the SoCon Tournament. This is a team that number one seeds would not really want to play because of their style of play, but VMI has struggled for much of the year. Still, a hot shooting VMI would be dangerous. However, they would almost certainly be in a play-in game.
Western Carolina
The Catamounts would be 15-16 against D1 teams if they wind up winning the SoCon Tournament. If everything broke right, they could get out of Dayton, but it would take some serious upsets in other conference tournaments. It seems very likely that a Western Carolina SoCon champ would be playing in Dayton, and a team that could win there with their shooters playing well. After all, this team played Alabama very close earlier this year.
Wofford
The Terriers could wind up with their RPI in the Top 40 if they win the SoCon Tournament. If they beat Chattanooga in the championship game, that could be a fifth Top 100 win. That kind of resume looks like an 11 seed possibly. It would seem a 12 seed would be lowest they could get, but I suppose that the committee may not value wins over Sam Houston State, Chattanooga, Iona and North Carolina State as truly quality Top 100 wins. So they could go as low as giving them a 13 seed. I suspect that the Terriers will get an 11 or 12, with a slightly better chance of a 12 than an 11.
This time of year, every team can dream. Every team can hope. It's the beauty of college basketball and the conference tournaments. Everyone is just between nine and twelve wins from the national title.
So, it is with this in mind, that we take our annual look at where each team would be seeded if they managed to win the SoCon Tournament in Asheville this weekend. If your team raises the trophy on Monday evening shortly after 9:00, you will start asking, "What seed do you think we get?" This is your answer. Or your best guess, given that we don't know ANY winners of any other conference or how other teams around will finish up yet. But this is the best guess, in alphabetical order.
Chattanooga
When looking at the Mocs RPI and where it would fit into the overall picture, it seems pretty safe to predict that the Mocs would get no lower than a 15 seed, and possibly as high as a 13 seed. A Mocs championship would put them at 23-9 against D1 teams, and give them at least one win versus a Top 100 team and possibly a second (depending on if they play Wofford again). Their RPI would likely be in the Top 90 at least, maybe as high as into the 70s. That could be enough to squeak into a 13 seed if everything broke right and should be good enough for a 14 seed. A 15 seed is possible, but unlikely.
ETSU
If the Bucs manage to win the SoCon Tournament, they would be 17-13 against D1 schools. Their RPI wouldn't be a total disaster (probably in the 120s), and they have beaten North Carolina Central, who is unbeaten in their conference and in the Top 100. They could also have beaten Chattanooga and Wofford to get their, which could be two more Top 100 wins. It seems that the Bucs would likely avoid Dayton, but would not be able to avoid the number 16 seed. It is hard to imagine them getting a 15 seed. However, they should be able to avoid Dayton.
Furman
The Paladins would be 10-21 against D1 competition if they raise the trophy on Monday night. While it would be a tremendous run by the tenth seed in the SoCon Tournament, it would not do anything except for put them in Dayton. Regardless, Stephen Croone is a great player and may present a challenge in the First Four to whoever they play. Still, it seems very unlikely they would win, and no number one seed would be shaking in their boots seeing the Paladins.
Mercer
The Bears leave you scratching your head. After all, this is the same team that beat Duke in the tournament last year. Yes, they lost almost everyone, but the coach is the same, and many of the players were around the program a year ago. However, they would just be 18-14 against D1 competition if they won the SoCon Tournament. They have only beaten one Top 100 at this point and that's Chattanooga. If they beat the Mocs again, the Mocs may not be a Top 100 win anymore. To get any, they would have to beat Wofford in the championship game. No number one seed wants to see their name pop up with Mercer opposite them on Selection Sunday. Yet, if Mercer wins the SoCon Tournament, that is likely what they would find. Would the Bears be in Dayton? Maybe, but I doubt it. More than likely, this team would be a 16 seed. There is an outside chance the committee gives them a 15, or puts them in Dayton, but odds are they avoid Dayton and get a 16.
Samford
The Bulldogs would be 16-18 against D1 competition if they won the SoCon Tournament and almost certainly would find themselves in Dayton. Still, their style of play could cause a huge problem for an opponent in the First Four, and would not be a pleasant foe for a number one seed, though they probably are not quite ready yet for that challenge.
The Citadel
The Bulldogs would be 12-18 against D1 competition and it is hard to imagine that they would be participating in anything except for in Dayton. The Bulldogs RPI would probably be in the Top 280 at that point, but there is no way that they find their way any higher. It is also very unlikely that the Bulldogs would be competitive against a one seed. It also seems unlikely that they would win in Dayton, but hey- to finally get to their first NCAA Tournament would make up for any other problems.
UNCG
The Spartans would be 11-21 against D1 competition if they find their way to the NCAA Tournament. That being said, UNCG has talent. Still, this club would definitely find itself playing in Dayton, with a chance of winning there. The Spartans are playing well enough to wind up winning in the First Four, but highly unlikely to provide any real threat to a one seed.
VMI
The Keydets would be 12-18 against D1 teams if they managed to win the SoCon Tournament. This is a team that number one seeds would not really want to play because of their style of play, but VMI has struggled for much of the year. Still, a hot shooting VMI would be dangerous. However, they would almost certainly be in a play-in game.
Western Carolina
The Catamounts would be 15-16 against D1 teams if they wind up winning the SoCon Tournament. If everything broke right, they could get out of Dayton, but it would take some serious upsets in other conference tournaments. It seems very likely that a Western Carolina SoCon champ would be playing in Dayton, and a team that could win there with their shooters playing well. After all, this team played Alabama very close earlier this year.
Wofford
The Terriers could wind up with their RPI in the Top 40 if they win the SoCon Tournament. If they beat Chattanooga in the championship game, that could be a fifth Top 100 win. That kind of resume looks like an 11 seed possibly. It would seem a 12 seed would be lowest they could get, but I suppose that the committee may not value wins over Sam Houston State, Chattanooga, Iona and North Carolina State as truly quality Top 100 wins. So they could go as low as giving them a 13 seed. I suspect that the Terriers will get an 11 or 12, with a slightly better chance of a 12 than an 11.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Scanning the SoCon- The Tournament Questions
This is the fourth
season of Scanning the SoCon, and hopefully we are getting bigger and better
every year. People from around the conference answer questions regarding their
team and other issues around the SoCon. This week, our tournament preview.
What do you think are the most important qualities for a team to
possess to win a tournament championship (regardless of league or size of
tournament) at this time of year?
Chattanooga-
I think the ability to defend and rebound with a mix of senior
leadership are the most important things at this time of year, especially for
smaller conference teams. Bigger conference teams can get away with senior
leadership if they have enough talent, but the smaller conference teams need
guys who are older and leaders stepping up. Defending and rebounding is how you
win tight games like these tournament games so often turn into.
Furman- Defense and depth
are the two most important factors to winning a Southern Conference Tournament,
Ultimately, by the semifinals and finals, you will inevitably need both.
UNCG- If a team is going
to win 3 or 4 games in as many days, they have to possess the ability to play
great defense. There is going to be a night when points are hard to come by. On
that night, if you are going to gut out a win, your team will have to get down
and really guard the other team. Defense wins championships.
VMI- Every team needs several factors to work in
their favor to win a tournament championship. Things like bench depth, stamina,
venue location (neutral/home/road), and a sprinkle of luck certainly play a
part. But most of all, you need defense, especially at the college level.
Offense is important as well, but a suffocating defense takes pressure off your
shooters and also minimizes the ability of opposing teams to go on large runs,
thereby halting their momentum (another critical yet unquantifiable
factor come tournament time). Take Wofford, for example. Last year, the
Terriers won three games to claim the SoCon crown, giving up an average of 53.7
points per game. They also allowed opponents to shoot a mere 36.8% from the floor
and a remarkable 12 of 47 (25.5%) from behind the arc. They didn't score a ton,
but it didn't matter. A good defense beats a good offense in the postseason
every time.
Western
Carolina- Team
cohesion and consistent scoring. Players on the team with
experience winning a conference tournament is also huge.
Wofford- To
be a contender in this league, it’s imperative for your outfit to execute
smoothly on defense and stay in the game for a full forty minutes. Expanding on
that, you have to bend without breaking – especially against the SoCon’s fierce
and motivated adversity. No mental lapses, no gaps in coverage; however, if
something unsatisfactory occurs, you absolutely have to push it far from your
mind and stay focused. Another way to ensure success is selflessness, both with
and without the basketball. If your players understand that they’re playing for
a team, and not for the sake of personal statistics, you’ve got a solid
program.
Which
of the top three seeds do you think is most likely to be upset in the
quarterfinals?
Chattanooga-
I guess I could say Mercer, but VMI over Mercer seems to be the
obvious choice. I would be really nervous if I was Wofford. The way UNCG and
Samford are playing, the winner of that game against Wofford is more deserving
of being a semifinal game than a quarterfinal game. If Wofford doesn’t come out
ready to play, they could be stunned right off the bat.
Furman- I think probably Mercer. The Bears are one of the most
inexperienced teams in it, and VMI has been playing well as of late, and played
Mercer well during the regular-season, an upset here would not shock me at all.
UNCG- I would say
Wofford due to how they tend to fall behind early. They will be playing someone
who already has a game under their belt. If they don't come out ready, they mat
find themselves in too big of a hole. Having said that, I think if they win 1
they'll win all 3.
VMI- I'd
like to think Mercer, not so much because they aren't great but because the two
teams ahead of them have few if any weaknesses. Both Wofford and Chattanooga
will play their quarterfinal games against teams on short rest. There's zero
chance that Wofford loses to Samford or UNC Greensboro, and Chattanooga is
white-hot to the point that I see them winning the whole thing, much less a
quarterfinal game against Furman or The Citadel. Mercer, on the other hand, has
gone 6-5 in league play since getting out to a 6-1 start, including a 3-3 mark
down the stretch. Albeit they lost to Wofford twice in very close games, and
suffered a road setback against the streaking Mocs, but the Bears are
definitely the weakest of the top three squads. And of course, they are playing
VMI, who can upset anyone at
any time because of
their style of play. But that could also help Mercer if they defend the
perimeter well. We'll see how it all plays out.
Western
Carolina- Mercer. The Bears
have the toughest opening game of any of the top three seeds. If VMI is hitting
their threes, Mercer will be in for a long night.
Wofford-
It’s
tough, but I’m going with Mercer because VMI will be a good opponent and likely
more rested, compared to Wofford and Chattanooga’s opposition (UNCG/Samford,
The Citadel/Furman), which have an extra game to play.
Which
of the bottom four seeds do you think has the best chance to make a run to
the finals?
Chattanooga-
I’m going to go with the UNCG-Samford winner, obviously (based on
what I said above). I’ll take UNCG for now. They have enough talent to be in
the finals of this tournament, they just haven’t played like it most of the
year. Now things have started to turn around for them and I think they are a
very dangerous team. Not much bench, which could prove a problem in the second
and third game of this tournament.
Furman- Maybe Samford with the way they play, and their Talladega
press can give foes some headaches. Furman has shown the ability to play close
to pretty much anyone and have to be one of the more scary bottom seeds in the
history of the tournament.
UNCG- I honestly don't
think any of the bottom 4 can go that far. They all have serious issues that
will be exposed at some point in their first few games.
VMI- I like
UNC Greensboro largely because of RJ White, who is averaging 12 points on 57%
shooting overall and 7 rebounds per game. White is the definition of a rim
protector and is certainly a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. On top of
that, you have guys like Kayel Locke (12.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG), Tevon Saddler (13.6
PPG, 4.1 APG), and sharpshooter Nicholas Paulos (10.7 PPG), who can hit from
outside as well as attack the basket. The Spartans are the dark horse in this
tournament
Western
Carolina- Both Samford and UNCG have greatly picked up their play late in
the conference season, so it's unfortunate they play each other in the opening
game. It's also unfortunate the winner plays
the next day against the #1 seed, Wofford. Look for either team that meets the
Terriers, to take them to the last minutes of the
game.
Wofford-
Probably
The Citadel. They seem solid enough to give Chattanooga a good shot,
considering they defeat Furman. However, this is a touchy subject – they all
look tough, and were neck-and-neck against each other. For that matter, we
might just have to look out for Samford on the other side of the bracket.
Which potential
semifinal match-ups do you think would be most interesting?
Chattanooga-
As a fan of good basketball, I would love to see Chattanooga and
Mercer play again. They have played two great games so far, and it would be
very entertaining to see them hook up a third time. On the other side of the bracket,
Wofford against either ETSU or Western Carolina is interesting, but I’ll take
Western Carolina. After all, the Catamounts always seem to play well in
Asheville, and sprung the upset on Davidson a year ago in the semifinals. Who
is to say they can’t do it again? It would also be a rematch of last year’s
final.
Furman- If seeds hold, I like the Chattanooga-Mercer clash,,,Two
pretty matchups during the regular season and it's a matchup between two of the
most athletic clubs in the league. Ike Nwamu provided one of the dunks of the
year in the first matchup between the two, which the Bears survived in
overtime, 75-72.
UNCG- UTC and Mercer
played a couple of good regular season games. A Sunday night game in Asheville
between those 2 teams would be fun to watch.
VMI- Of course I'd like to see my Keydets get to the
semifinals where they would more than likely play Chattanooga. The Mocs blew
out VMI earlier in the year at the Roundhouse, but last Thursday the two teams
fought a barn burner in Cameron Hall, with the Mocs coming out on top in
double-overtime, 86-82. For VMI, it would be a great opportunity to avenge that
heartbreaking loss against a stingy Chattanooga defense. If they can hit
three-pointers, who knows how far they can go? Similarly, if Justin Tuoyo
continues to play like he has as of late on defense, and if Casey Jones keeps
up his torrid shooting, there is no stopping the Mocs. For the second matchup,
I think it'd be interesting to see Wofford play East Tennessee State. The
Terriers beat the Bucs in two fairly close contests this year, and certainly
ETSU will be out for revenge. Jalen Riley, a potential SoCon Player of the Year,
will be looking to go out with a bang in his senior season, as will Reshawn
Rembert. The Bucs average about 74 points per game (second in the league only
to VMI), so I'd like to see how their efficient offense pans out against
Wofford's relentless D.
Western
Carolina- VMI vs. Chattanooga will be a very interesting game, look for the
#6 seed to pick up the first major upset of the tournament.
Wofford-
I have to go with Mercer/Chattanooga here. I know the Bears would love another
shot at 1) taking the season series with the Mocs and 2) possibly getting a
rematch with Wofford. The third thing, getting back to the dance, is
implied.
Who do
you think lifts the trophy on Monday night?
Chattanooga- I’ll
take (nervously) Chattanooga. I think the Mocs are playing as well as anyone
right now and that they are rebounding and defending at as high of a level as
anyone. They don’t have much positive tournament experience on their roster,
and that is the biggest drawback.
Furman- Chattanooga--I
believe the Mocs' depth is impressive and they are one of the few teams in the
league that can play either tempo. They can adapt to the opponent and then beat
them at their game, as evidenced by the Mocs' 56-46 win at Wofford.
UNCG- I'm picking the Chattanooga Mocs to win the whole thing.
Their combination of length and shooters makes them a tough out.
VMI- I'll go with
Chattanooga in an upset over Wofford. Tuoyo has been a beast around the boards
lately, and the Mocs are hotter than anyone in the league, riding a 6-game win
streak which was spurred by a surprising victory over Wofford on the road.
Clearly, we know the Mocs are capable of beating the Terriers, but it certainly
won't be easy. The Terriers are still 26th in the nation in allowing just under
60 points per game. They are also 60th in the country in defensive efficiency
according to KenPom.com, while the Mocs languish at 161st. Lee Skinner,
arguably Wofford's most vocal leader, scored 17 in the regular season finale at
Furman and has scored in double-figures in each of his last four games. Look
for him to be a huge factor. But Wofford still slipped up against The Citadel
earlier in the season and has won several very close games that they should
have won much more handily. The Terriers are very good, but not infallible.
This is mid-major basketball, folks; anything can happen.
Western
Carolina- Barring a major upset on their first
night of play, I see Wofford going back to Spartanburg with the championship
trophy. If Wofford wins their first game of the tournament, they breeze
on through to the championship game, based on their experience, and having
been there and knowing what it takes to win the championship.
Wofford-
Call me what you will, but I believe there’s really nothing – apart from their
own play and response to the tournament opposition – to stop the Terriers from
hoisting the trophy for a second consecutive season. It’s not the “Cinderella
story” anymore, but there’s three seniors looking to go out on a high note and
an entire program and fan base behind them, ready to aid in the effort to get
there.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Scanning the SoCon Awards Edition
As voted on by our regular cast of characters.
POWER RANKINGS
1) Wofford
2) Chattanooga
3) Mercer
4) ETSU
5) Western Carolina
6) VMI
7) Samford
8) UNCG
9) The Citadel
10) Furman
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Rico White, Chattanooga
Others Receiving Votes: Spencer Collins (Wofford), Christen Cunningham (Samford), RJ White (UNCG), Casey Jones (Chattanooga)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Karl Cochran, Wofford
Others Receiving Votes: Casey Jones (Chattanooga), Stephen Croone (Furman)
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Christen Cunningham, Samford
Others Receiving Votes: Geoff Beans (Furman)
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bob Hoffman, Mercer
Others Receiving Votes: Mike Young (Wofford), Will Wade (Chattanooga)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Justin Tuoyo, Chattanooga
Others Receiving Votes: Karl Cochran (Wofford), Phillip Anglade (VMI)
GAME OF THE YEAR
VMI 113, Western Carolina 111 (2OT)
Others Receiving Votes: Wofford 68, Chattanooga 64
FIRST TEAM ALL SOCON
Karl Cochran, Wofford
Casey Jones, Chattanooga
Ashton Moore, The Citadel
Jalen Riley, ETSU
James Sinclair, Western Carolina
SECOND TEAM ALL SOCON
Stephen Croone, Furman
Ike Nwamu, Mercer
Tevon Saddler, UNCG
Justin Tuoyo, Chattanooga
RJ White, UNCG
THIRD TEAM ALL SOCON
Mike Brown, Western Carolina
Julian Eleby, VMI
Tyler Hood, Samford
Rashawn Rembert, ETSU
Lee Skinner, Wofford
Others Receiving Votes: Phillip Anglade (VMI), Spencer Collins (Wofford), Christen Cunningham (Samford), Justin Gordon (Wofford), Rhett Harrelson (Western Carolina), PJ Horgan (The Citadel), Darius Jones-Gibson (Samford), Phillip Leonard (Mercer), Kayel Locke (UNCG), Tim Marshall (VMI), Darious Moten (Mercer), QJ Peterson (VMI), Devin Sibley (Furman), Rico White (Chattanooga), Lester Wilson (ETSU)
ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
Geoff Beans ,Furman
Christen Cunningham, Samford
Daniel Fowler, Furman
Devin Sibley, Furman
Jake Wright, The Citadel
Others Receiving Votes: Desonta Bradford (ETSU), Cameron Jackson (Wofford), Jestin Lewis (Mercer), Jordan Strawberry (Mercer), Tucker Thompson (Western Carolina)
POWER RANKINGS
1) Wofford
2) Chattanooga
3) Mercer
4) ETSU
5) Western Carolina
6) VMI
7) Samford
8) UNCG
9) The Citadel
10) Furman
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Rico White, Chattanooga
Others Receiving Votes: Spencer Collins (Wofford), Christen Cunningham (Samford), RJ White (UNCG), Casey Jones (Chattanooga)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Karl Cochran, Wofford
Others Receiving Votes: Casey Jones (Chattanooga), Stephen Croone (Furman)
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Christen Cunningham, Samford
Others Receiving Votes: Geoff Beans (Furman)
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bob Hoffman, Mercer
Others Receiving Votes: Mike Young (Wofford), Will Wade (Chattanooga)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Justin Tuoyo, Chattanooga
Others Receiving Votes: Karl Cochran (Wofford), Phillip Anglade (VMI)
GAME OF THE YEAR
VMI 113, Western Carolina 111 (2OT)
Others Receiving Votes: Wofford 68, Chattanooga 64
FIRST TEAM ALL SOCON
Karl Cochran, Wofford
Casey Jones, Chattanooga
Ashton Moore, The Citadel
Jalen Riley, ETSU
James Sinclair, Western Carolina
SECOND TEAM ALL SOCON
Stephen Croone, Furman
Ike Nwamu, Mercer
Tevon Saddler, UNCG
Justin Tuoyo, Chattanooga
RJ White, UNCG
THIRD TEAM ALL SOCON
Mike Brown, Western Carolina
Julian Eleby, VMI
Tyler Hood, Samford
Rashawn Rembert, ETSU
Lee Skinner, Wofford
Others Receiving Votes: Phillip Anglade (VMI), Spencer Collins (Wofford), Christen Cunningham (Samford), Justin Gordon (Wofford), Rhett Harrelson (Western Carolina), PJ Horgan (The Citadel), Darius Jones-Gibson (Samford), Phillip Leonard (Mercer), Kayel Locke (UNCG), Tim Marshall (VMI), Darious Moten (Mercer), QJ Peterson (VMI), Devin Sibley (Furman), Rico White (Chattanooga), Lester Wilson (ETSU)
ALL FRESHMAN TEAM
Geoff Beans ,Furman
Christen Cunningham, Samford
Daniel Fowler, Furman
Devin Sibley, Furman
Jake Wright, The Citadel
Others Receiving Votes: Desonta Bradford (ETSU), Cameron Jackson (Wofford), Jestin Lewis (Mercer), Jordan Strawberry (Mercer), Tucker Thompson (Western Carolina)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)