03-17-2003, 01:24 PM
Some thoughts about the upcoming game.
1) Creighton's starting center is only 6-8 and their backups don't appear formidable enough to contain Kaman, if Chris plays to his abilities.
2) Kyle Korver is a great player. I don't think we should try to double-team him. Rather put different players on him during the course of the game, with Manciel, Robinson, and Wallace taking turns.
3) CMU's biggest weakness is obviously turnovers, average nearly 18 per game. Creighton has caused 18 or more turnovers in 12 of its 33 games. This is the Chippewas' greatest concern. BUT.... The best defensive games of the Blue Jays in causing turnovers occurred on their home court in 10 out of those 12 games. ALSO... CMU turns the ball over a not-so-bad 13 times per game if you subtract out Kaman's five per game. If Chris plays well offensively and defensively, that will easily negate the effect of his turnovers.
In summary, CMU's turnover statistics versus Creighton's defensive figures MIGHT be a little deceptive.
4) Kaman MUST stay out of foul trouble. The high caliber three-point threat of the Chippewas works best on the inside-outside passing game. One thing I noticed in the MAC tourney games is that Kaman picked his spots to try to alter or block shot attempts. Very smart. If a player has an advantage over you on a certain play, let him go. If he makes the shot, go down to the other end of the court and make them stop you. If he misses, you're in good rebound position.
5) Ticky-tack fouls will probably be to a minimum. At this level, the referees tend to only call fouls when it negatively impacts the overall play.
6) Besides Korver, who else on the Blue Jays can shoot jumpers? If they rely on a lot a drives to score, that bodes well for CMU.
7) All four of the MAC teams who made it to the Sweet 16 since 1990 did so on neutral courts. That's what CMU has at this venue.
8) Creighton has a big advantage in terms of tournament experience. Fortunately CMU won't be as intimidated by the name on their jerseys, the conference they are from, nor do they have to play in front of a hostile crowd.
9) Who will bring more fans? There shouldn't be much difference. Salt Lake City is easier to fly to from Omaha than from Lansing, while CMU will have a much larger alumni base living in the region.
Overall, I love this match-up and look for the Chippewas to be victorious. That being said, Creighton isn't 29-4 for nothing. CMU could also easily lose.
Final Score: Central Michigan 82 Creighton 79.
1) Creighton's starting center is only 6-8 and their backups don't appear formidable enough to contain Kaman, if Chris plays to his abilities.
2) Kyle Korver is a great player. I don't think we should try to double-team him. Rather put different players on him during the course of the game, with Manciel, Robinson, and Wallace taking turns.
3) CMU's biggest weakness is obviously turnovers, average nearly 18 per game. Creighton has caused 18 or more turnovers in 12 of its 33 games. This is the Chippewas' greatest concern. BUT.... The best defensive games of the Blue Jays in causing turnovers occurred on their home court in 10 out of those 12 games. ALSO... CMU turns the ball over a not-so-bad 13 times per game if you subtract out Kaman's five per game. If Chris plays well offensively and defensively, that will easily negate the effect of his turnovers.
In summary, CMU's turnover statistics versus Creighton's defensive figures MIGHT be a little deceptive.
4) Kaman MUST stay out of foul trouble. The high caliber three-point threat of the Chippewas works best on the inside-outside passing game. One thing I noticed in the MAC tourney games is that Kaman picked his spots to try to alter or block shot attempts. Very smart. If a player has an advantage over you on a certain play, let him go. If he makes the shot, go down to the other end of the court and make them stop you. If he misses, you're in good rebound position.
5) Ticky-tack fouls will probably be to a minimum. At this level, the referees tend to only call fouls when it negatively impacts the overall play.
6) Besides Korver, who else on the Blue Jays can shoot jumpers? If they rely on a lot a drives to score, that bodes well for CMU.
7) All four of the MAC teams who made it to the Sweet 16 since 1990 did so on neutral courts. That's what CMU has at this venue.
8) Creighton has a big advantage in terms of tournament experience. Fortunately CMU won't be as intimidated by the name on their jerseys, the conference they are from, nor do they have to play in front of a hostile crowd.
9) Who will bring more fans? There shouldn't be much difference. Salt Lake City is easier to fly to from Omaha than from Lansing, while CMU will have a much larger alumni base living in the region.
Overall, I love this match-up and look for the Chippewas to be victorious. That being said, Creighton isn't 29-4 for nothing. CMU could also easily lose.
Final Score: Central Michigan 82 Creighton 79.