Xavier -1.5
I really like this matchup. Xavier should have a big advantage in the paint, which should let them control the game. Also Rhode Island gives up way too many points, against a good defensive team such as Xavier. The Musketeers can put points on the board themselves, and will have no trouble scoring against Rhode Island. The difference is that Xavier plays good enough defensive to slow down the Rams. They hold opponents under 40% shooting overall, and guard the 3 ball very well, something R Isle relies heavily upon. A good defense always prevails over a good offense and that should hold true tonight. Plus it's not like R Isle is that much better on that end, if at all. Xavier has had no problem winning at R Isle in years past, and don't see it being a problem tonight
I really like this matchup. Xavier should have a big advantage in the paint, which should let them control the game. Also Rhode Island gives up way too many points, against a good defensive team such as Xavier. The Musketeers can put points on the board themselves, and will have no trouble scoring against Rhode Island. The difference is that Xavier plays good enough defensive to slow down the Rams. They hold opponents under 40% shooting overall, and guard the 3 ball very well, something R Isle relies heavily upon. A good defense always prevails over a good offense and that should hold true tonight. Plus it's not like R Isle is that much better on that end, if at all. Xavier has had no problem winning at R Isle in years past, and don't see it being a problem tonight
I am on GB tonight as well but small. I really like their FT shooting which can be critical in a tight match up such as this one. One concern is that CSU does lead the Horizon in both FG% defense as well as 3ptFG % defense.
I like both of these teams but think GB should hold serve at home.
I like both of these teams but think GB should hold serve at home.
oh trust me you don't have to stress to me the importance of free throw shooting. i have had 2 brutal losses (aub pushed, but felt like a loss) the past 2 days (auburn, georgia tech) because they couldn't go 50% from the line. i always cap ft shooting into my plays. if the game is around a pk, and the team i want has a huge disadvantage in ft shooting i will back off. feels good to finally have a good ft shooting teams in Wisc GB.
GL tonight
ya i expected them to lose that one. i will take it as a victory just b/c rautins wasn't seriously injured. i thought he was done for the year so i was thankful to hear he is fine. they missed 2 three's that were practically in and rolled out, then jackson went 1-8 from the line, all the misses came at times when they were either making a run, or trying to stop a run, so they all hurt. if a few of those went in the game doesn't get in double figures and it could be a different story. gtown shot lights out. i don't think they will have a shooting night like that the rest of the season. throw in that rautins got hurt in the 1st half and didn't play from then on, and flynn having an off game, and you have a blow out on your hands. they will get revenge when they get them later in the year. i would have liked to win the game, but just didn't see it happening so i was prepared. i think they win saturday at home against ND, and hope to split next week when they are @ pitt, and then get louisville at home. going to be tough to win @ pitt, but if they protect their home court they will be fine. they win their home games, and steal a few on the road and they can get a #2 or 3 seed in the ncaa which is fine.
