Big South Week 2 Preview
Preview of all the Big South action from Nov 10th to Nov 16th
One week of Big South Basketball has passed, some teams faired better than others, but sometimes a new week can turn a new leaf for some teams.
Nov 11th:
Morris College at Charleston Southern 7pm (ESPN+)
Saah Nimley looks to get on the right track after losing to Clemson by a score of 91-64 on opening night, only playing 7 players definetly made it harder to win with two projected starters out many players had to rise up including Daylen Berry, Lamar Oden and Kennan Wilkins.
Much of the same came from the North Florida game, same 7-8 man rotation without Sumler and Patrick, leading to 90-66 loss. Defense and Free throws became glaring issues down the stretch not being able to make subs as Coach Nimley wished.
Good thing for Charleston Southern they faced a Non D1 in Morris College before their MTE. Charleston Southern holds a perfect 1-0 record all time against Morris College, and simply I see that moving to 2-0, Morris should be outgunned like most to all Non D1’s.
Give me Charleston Southern 85 - Morris College 69.
Gardner Webb at Pittsburgh 7pm (ESPN+/ACCNX)
Gardner Webb looked impressive vs Tennessee, holding within 16 losing 80-64. Darryl Simmons turned to a budding star scoring 22 against Tennessee, along with Anthony Selden and Jamaine Mann scoring double digits. GWU is proving me and many media members wrong so far.
The impressiveness continued vs NC Central, Gardner Webb started out on fire vs NC Central shooting at one point 15-18 from the field before winning 88-82. Anthony Selden had 25 points and Darryl Simmons with 18 in a pretty dominante win.
Pittsburgh holds a 2-0 record over Gardner Webb, while I think it moves to 3-0. I think this game will be closer, Pittsburgh has a good backcourt, but Tennessee is better all around in my opinion.
Give me Gardner Webb 68 - Pittsburgh 83.
Winthrop at Virginia Tech 7pm (ESPN+/ACCNX)
Mark Prosser is King of the Hill at Winthrop, in night 1 he manhandled Piedmont winning 125-65 with 7 players in double digits, including 4 of the 5 starters. Ryan Jolly and Bryce Baker have been the underrated transfer gets for Winthrop along with keeping Talford and Doucet.
Winthrop again looked pretty stout vs Little Rock, the first half wasn’t pretty but Winthrop put it on in the 2nd half. Again 4 of 5 starters got into double digits, and Bryce Baker was not far behind. Just overall I solid win against a team that was receiving votes in the preseason.
Virginia Tech holds a 1-0 record vs Winthrop, I think this could be the game where Winthrop breaks out. Hysier Miller is out, VT has not looked good vs Delaware State. Mike Young (Mr. Orville Redenbacher) might get popped in the face by the Eagles.
Give me Winthrop 79 - Virginia Tech 77.
Nov 12th:
Old Dominion at Radford 7pm (ESPN+)
Radford started their season with a loss against Pittsburgh by a score of 96-56, where turnovers really spelled the doom for Radford. 5 turnsover from one of their starting guards, and 9 across the full starting 5 didn’t bred much success. Zion Walker was a bright spot in his 24 mins leading the team in scoring off the bench.
Radford looked good against William and Mary, sloppy but good. The broadcast I can’t say much for as that wasn’t great. Jarvis Moss showed off with 24 points and Ibu Yamazaki with 17 points with multiple clutch shots down the stretch.
Mr. 281-330-8004 (for those too young to know it’s Mike Jones.) is looking to get his first win as head coach at ODU after losing to Buffalo on a buzzer beater and losing to Arizona. ODU does hold a 2-0 record against Radford but I think Radford wins this one. ODU lost to Buffalo, and it wasn’t do to Buffalo’s amazing play.
Give me Radford 79 - Old Dominion 72.
NC Central at High Point 7pm (ESPN+)
High Point looked better than advertised vs Coppin State, getting their biggest win vs a D1 foe in school history winning 93-51. Led by Chase Johnston’s 31 points on 9-11 shooting from behind the arc and 11-13 from the field. 5 players including Johnston went into double digits. This was with Pettiford, Hildebrandt, and others in street clothes, just showing this team is WAY MORE deep than people thought.
High Point come out on fire in the 1st half, getting out to a 20 point lead, but the 2nd half was different story. Sloppy, chippy, and lack luster are the only words that can describe it. With that being said D’Maurian Williams looked like a star with 22 points along with Kezza having 16.
High Point holds a 4-0 record against NC Central, I think they extend that to 5-0. NC Central just doesn’t the interior presence nor the shooting to keep up with High Point.
Give me High Point 85 - NC Central 72.
Nov 13th
Wofford at Presbyterian 7pm (ESPN+)
Presbyterian played great night one against Charlotte only losing my 9, and keeping it close throughout the game. Kory Mincy and Johan Pierce were the two stars of the night, Mincy had 17, and Johan Pierce had 22 on a perfect 11/11 from the field, if they can keep it up they can go places.
While Presbyterian dismantled Carolina Christian, I will be honest there is not much you can take away from that game. Carolina Chrisitan is one of the schools that for a better term is a squad that you pick up to just BEAT DOWN ON, and that’s what Presbyterian did.
Wofford played Eskrine good, even without Chase Cormier and his lights out shooting, lead by former Upstate guard Justin Bailey they scored 112. Wofford has an all time record of 53-15 vs Presbyterian. I think Presbyterian has a good shot with this game being at home to win.
Give me Presbyterian 67 - Wofford 66.
Milwaukee at Longwood 7pm (ESPN+)
The defending champions opened their season against Randolph College, and for lack of the better term. They played down to their competition only winning 79-68. The team mostly handicapped by going 2-14 from behind the arc, which SHOULD improve. On the bright sides transfer guards Colby Garland, Angelo Brizzi and KJ McClurg showed off in spurts.
Longwood looked MILES better vs Morgan State, while they started slow, the offense finally caught fire in the 2nd half and defense held strong leading to a 84-66 win. Michael Christmas showed why many had him on preseason Big South teams with his 19 points, followed by McClurg and Luc with 13 and 12.
This is the 2nd meeting between these two team, last matcup coming last season in Milwaukee that Longwood won by a score of 80-67. I personally think it plays something similiar to that.
Give me Longwood 78 - Milwaukee 70.
USC Upstate at Wake Forest 7pm (ESPN+/ACCNX)
The first game of the Marty Richter “ACC Schedule” didn’t go horribly, only losing to NC State by a score of 97-66 where his team competed through the final whistle. Mister Dean has been the pleasant suprise so far having 14 points against NC State being one of three players to crack double digits.
Mister Dean again showed out against Piedmont having 25 points, on 12-12 shooting, has to be maybe the favorite for Big South freshman of the year. Nic Book went 7-7 keeping the 100% shooting rolling throughout the game. Carmelo Adkins also had 12 points, with 3 double digit scorers coming off the bench. This team is better than people are giving them credit for.
While I do like Upstate, Wake Forest should have them outgunned just like the other matchup in 2021.
Give me USC Upstate 65 - Wake Forest 90.
Nov 15th:
UTRGV vs Charleston Southern 1pm EST (Neutral Site Greenbrier MTE)
As many would agree this game will depend on Sumler and Patrick’s status, if they play. I think Charleston Southern wins, and probably by around 10. If not, UTRGV might just run away. I am leaning towards Sumler and Patrick playing. This mixed with UTRGV’s awful post defense. I think Charleston Southern gets their first win vs UTRGV.
Give me Charleston Southern 72 - UTRGV 67.
William and Mary at Winthrop 5pm EST (Winthrop MTE)
This first of three back to back to back games at home for Winthrop at their own MTE. Coach Prosser has to face Brian Earl, who returned many of their best players dispite getting a new coach this offseason. With this being a home game for Winthrop, I think they pull this one out keeping their perfect record against William and Mary.
Give me Winthrop 80 - William and Mary 71.
UAB at High Point 7pm EST (ESPN+)
As Jim Root said, “High Point is the Mid Major Alabama”. Well High Point has a good chance to prove it vs UAB (Alabama Birmingham). UAB has looked meh so far losing to Vermont and only beating Southern Miss - Curbelo by 14. This will be the first team these school have faced off. I lean High Point.
Give me High Point 92 - UAB 80.
UNC Wilmington at USC Upstate 7pm EST (ESPN+)
The first D1 vs D1 home game of the Marty Richter tenure happens to be versus UNC Wilmington and Coach Siddle. This is these schools first ever matchup ever. Wilmington looked less than impressive vs Mount Olive in their opener, and for that reason I think Mister Dean and other win this game.
Give me USC Upstate 75 - UNC Wilmington 72.
Elon at Gardner Webb 7pm EST (ESPN+)
Gardner Webb plays in their home opener against North Carolina native, Elon. Elon had to open their season against North Carolina and like Gardner Webb, looked very impressive only lossing 90-76. Elon holds a 2-0 record against Gardner Webb but I think that changes, Gardner Webb has truly impressed me a lot so far, and I think that continues.
Give me Gardner Webb 81 - Elon 75.
Nov 16th:
Presbyterian at Kennesaw State 11am EST (ESPN+)
Quinton Ferrell is hoping to change last years result against the Kennesaw State which was the first meeting between the schools. I do think Presbyterian has improved since the last time they faced Kennesaw but not enough to change last year’s result.
Give me Presbyterian 77 - Kennesaw State 85.
UT Martin at Longwood 1pm EST (ESPN+)
Griff Aldrich will have his handles full with UT Martin in my opinion, Martin has a very solid roster led by one of my favorite non Big South coaches in Jeremy Shulman. Martin does hold a 2-0 edge against Longwood, but I think that changes with both this game being in Farmville and the fact that Longwood has looked very good to start the year.
Give me Longwood 75 - UT Martin 69.
Radford at Evansville 2pm EST (ESPN+)
For the first time since 1996, Radford is making the trip to Evansville to play the Purple Aces. Radford lost that game by a score 68-47, and I think this game will end similarly in the W/L column. Making that travel then coming back in two days is tough for any team especially a Mid Major.
Give me Radford 62 - Evansville 71.
Georgia Southern at Winthrop 5pm EST (ESPN+) (Winthrop MTE)
The 2nd game of Winthrop’s home MTE comes against Sun Belt foe, Georgia Southern. Winthrop holds a 3-0 record against Georgia Southern, and realistically that should move to 4-0. Having a MTE at home is big and even bigger when facing a team like Georgia Southern.
Give me Winthrop 92 - Georgia Southern 88.