UMass is a tough matchup for us, as has been stated quite a bit on this board since the Kentucky game (and the beginning of the season, quite frankly). They’re pretty big… front court starters are 6’8, 6’9, and 6’10 respectively. The biggest of the bunch, Cady Lalanne, is also their leading scorer and rebounder. Riley and Ajayi will have their hands full with him. While he isn’t the biggest, their PG Chazz Williams is a dynamic player, who seems to have improved from three point land so far this year.
If there is any noticeable weakness, its that UMass only goes about 7 deep, with one guard and one forward off the bench for the most part. If Murphy can exploit that with fresh bodies, it will go a long way in helping us get the upset.
We are only 6 point underdogs, which is a bit surprising to me. I think if Lee and Ward have quiet games again, we certainly won’t cover, but if one (or both) of them is on…does it become a winnable game? Lee’s 38 point outburst against UTA was no fluke. He can flat out score. I think he bounces back, but I’m not sure it’ll be enough.
UMASS: 70
EMU: 65
i don't like making predictions, so i'll pull a Mike Stone and stay on the fence here.
If we lose, it will be due to early foul trouble for our bigs and poor free throw shooting. If we win, it's because our guards swarm Williams and we shoot 40% from behind the arc. Sam's comment re: the 7-deep rotation also gives us a chance to get them in foul trouble (particularly with new hand checking rules). hopefully EMU is able to exploit that as much as the first few games of the season.
EDIT: i neglected to mention that i'm really, really excited for this game. hopefully we can get some loud students there. i'll be in the second deck losing my head.
Great point about FT shooting. Getting to line should be of utmost importance tonight, especially against a somewhat shallow team. I think we'll have to win through our guards, as UMass matches up well size wise and athletically with Ward and Bryant. Hopefully murphy can find ways to get Lee and Combs on the court at the same time, and isolate them on Williams. Both are bigger and stronger than Chazz. Got to exploit any potential weaknesses that we can.
We like a fun style of basketball. Fast pace and pressuring the ball. Controlling tempo will be something to watch. We have a center off the bench, who has averaged 6 minutes a game. TBerg even as a freshman never seem to hurt us and played pretty good for a young big guy. We also have three freshmen that DK would like to get out there more, but they may have to wait until NIU.
God I hope you guys are right. I will go nuts if we win tonight. What a great win for our program it would be.
This was posted on our board from the morning shoot around.
![[Image: chaz.jpg]](http://hostmypicture.com/images/chaz.jpg)
I'm guessing that since he's barely taller than the scorer's table, that's Chazz Williams?
So much hype on campus for this game. Sort of feels like a Homecoming game. I'm expecting the best student attendance of the year, by far.
Hardly can wait for tipoff. 3 hours!
That said, I'm nervous as hell. I agree that our bench will be key.
Frank! glad to hear there's some buzz around this game. that's awesome.
I can't wait for tip-off!
Man... I wish I could attend... instead I will be watching in front of a computer screen :(
(12-03-2013 07:08 PM)realistEagle Wrote: [ -> ]how's the crowd ?
looks like 1K.
Why pay for Eagle All-Access when half of the time it doesn't work or buffers every other play ?
(12-03-2013 07:21 PM)emu steve Wrote: [ -> ] (12-03-2013 07:08 PM)realistEagle Wrote: [ -> ]how's the crowd ?
looks like 1K.
1,000-1,500
If we could just keep these guys off the boards... I know easy to say
CALL ME CRAZY BUT WE SHOULD BE BEATING THESE GUYS 15+