Post by beaverinohio on Nov 22, 2017 8:33:28 GMT -8
So has anyone seen St. John's play this year? I watched them play a few times last year, but they're a much different team this year. Last year they were 14-19 (7-11), but they had two freshmen guards starting. Looks like they lost only 2 rotation guys (1 starter), but now have a transfer from Mich. St. and one from Arizona (was a top 50 recruit coming out of high school) starting. Ponds and LoVett, their two sophomore guards, are the two leading scorers with 17.3 ppg and 15.0 ppg respectively. Ponds also averages 7.3 rpg and 4 apg. Their starting frontline goes only 6-5, 6-7, and 6-7 but they do have a 6-11 guy that comes off the bench and is averaging 3.3 bpg. Simon, the 6-5 transfer from Arizona, looks to be a stat book stuffer -- 10.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.8 apg, 2.8 spg, 1 bpg. 247 had him listed as point guard coming out of high school.
They haven't played anyone so far with Nebraska being their best win. Looks like their two big guys (transfer from MSU and the guy off the bench) have some issues with fouling, so hopefully Beavs get Drew involved heavily. Think our backcourt and Stevie are going to have trouble keeping up with Ponds, LoVett and Simon. If we can use our size advantage and finally start hitting a few threes, I think we can win -- but it is going to be tough. Beavs second game of the tourney will come against Long Beach St. or Missouri. One would think Missouri would win those two teams' match up, but they are having some real problems and Porter now out for season -- lost big to Utah and barely beat Emporia St. in last two games. They've been shooting the 3 about as poorly as Beavers have been. If we can get by St. John's then I think we have a real shot against Missouri (have never liked C. Martin's in-game coaching), which would likely mean playing W. Virginia in finals. Looking forward to the game Thursday. Will be a nice little break from eating too much and football.
They haven't played anyone so far with Nebraska being their best win. Looks like their two big guys (transfer from MSU and the guy off the bench) have some issues with fouling, so hopefully Beavs get Drew involved heavily. Think our backcourt and Stevie are going to have trouble keeping up with Ponds, LoVett and Simon. If we can use our size advantage and finally start hitting a few threes, I think we can win -- but it is going to be tough. Beavs second game of the tourney will come against Long Beach St. or Missouri. One would think Missouri would win those two teams' match up, but they are having some real problems and Porter now out for season -- lost big to Utah and barely beat Emporia St. in last two games. They've been shooting the 3 about as poorly as Beavers have been. If we can get by St. John's then I think we have a real shot against Missouri (have never liked C. Martin's in-game coaching), which would likely mean playing W. Virginia in finals. Looking forward to the game Thursday. Will be a nice little break from eating too much and football.
