The big issue for us tomorrow is that Pepperdine under Romar struggles defending inside but is exemplary at defending the 3 (teams shot just 28.7% from 3 last year). That number won't be as low this year, because they lost some key defensive pieces, but Romar knows how to organize a defense to stop teams that like to (1) run and (2) shoot 3s.

The question for them is what lineup combination best achieves those goals. I'd be pretty surprised if Mitchell isn't the starting point. Since it sounds like Zidek is supposed to be a starter, the question becomes whether they're willing to sacrifice rim protection for mobility. I would guess Hartfield starts, because he's your best established scorer and his length can trouble shooters. I wouldn't be shocked if Mallette starts, because he gives you more scoring punch and like Hartfield has good length. Then it becomes a question of what you do at the 4 spot. Zidek is not a 5 - he wants to operate outside the paint. But if you start him at the 4, and then start Obioha or Munson at the 5, you're forcing Zidek to likely guard perimeter shooters who are all quicker than he is. I guess if you're willing to let Zidek defend Fiedler inside, you can start Deng or Smith and play four guards. I'd honestly use Zidek off the bench and start Keith Fisher at the 5 with four guards surrounding him. He gives up size to Fiedler, but IMO would also give Fiedler (and especially Poteat) real trouble defensively because he scores from all three levels. But if Zidek does start, as it sounds like he will if healthy, then my best guess is Zidek-Fisher-Hartfield-Mallette-Mitchell? I don't know, I'm always wrong when projecting lineups. I'd personally start Fisher-Hartfield-Smith-Mallette-Mitchell. I think starting two bigs (including Zidek) against a team that will likely start 4 guards makes no sense, especially because Zidek does not rebound well, so the added rebounding benefit of a second big would be negligible.