Probably the most important game for both schools this year. A win pretty much guarantees a top four finish and double bye in the conference tournament. A loss leaves open the door to fall out of the top four.

William and Mary has won their last three games against Hofstra, Drexel and Elon while UNCW has lost it's last two games against Elon and Hampton. The losses followed a nine game winning streak that included two wins over CofC to clinch any tiebreakers and a win over W&M. If UNCW beats W&M they will hold the head to head tiebreaker over two of the four teams vying for the 2-4 spots in the CAA tournament.

The last two UNCW losses saw UNCW's offense held in check, scoring only 70 points in both losses. The common denominator was a zone defense employed in both games by Elon and then Hampton. During the nine game winning streak the Hawks' scored 80+ in every game except one and scored 77 points in that game. UNCW has scored 61, 63, 70 and 70(66 ppg. avg. in their four conference losses while averaging 80 ppg in their 11 wins.

The winning streak was highlighted by the combination of Obioha and McGriff dominating the paint, rebounding, drawing double teams and kicking out to open shooter. The zone defenses have taken away much of what was working so well during the winning streak. If the Hawks' are going to beat the Tribe again they are going to need to establish their post play and rebounding on offense which le to high scoring high percentage shots for the Hawks'. And at the same time they have to contain the fast pace and pressure of the Tribe and keep them from getting hot from three. During the last two losses the Hawk's allowed an average of 60% from three on 30-50 shooting while allowing only 34.2% druing the winning streak, They also allowed 54.4% overall shooting the last two losses while holding teams to 43.7% overall during the winning streak.

Bottom line is that the last two losses the Hawks' have cratered on offense and defense. To get back on track and avoid losing three in a row heading into the CAA tournament, everything has to improve. It's going to be tough sledding in Williamsburg where the Tribe are undefeated at home in conference play.

Welcome back home to the board, 82hawk. We miss the friendly trash talk among our fan bases. Just hope it won't be very friendly for you guys at the Kap Monday night. We seem to be getting some footing back after losing Noah Collier for the season. This would have been a great game and atmosphere for national display on CBSSN.

Go Tribe!

(02-23-2025 07:38 PM)Tribeheart Wrote:  Welcome back home to the board, 82hawk. We miss the friendly trash talk among our fan bases. Just hope it won't be very friendly for you guys at the Kap Monday night. We seem to be getting some footing back after losing Noah Collier for the season. This would have been a great game and atmosphere for national display on CBSSN.

Go Tribe!

I forgot it isn't going to be on CBSSN now. Oh well, I imagine y'all will pack the house anyhow. Really hoping this ends up being sustained success for the Tribe. I felt pretty confident you hired a coach that would make a quick impact for the Tribe and it happened.

Not sure if y'all ever play zone, but if you do i'd expect you to play it a lot tomorrow. We have really struggled to score and rebound against a zone. We've also gotten creamed from three with our last two games giving up an average 60%. It's a huge game because the winner is pretty much guaranteed a top 4 spot. Y'all have one of the best fan bases in the conference so it's great to see you back at the top. Good luck against everyone but the Hawks'!