Jan 3rd Conference Play Previews
Previewing the games for the Big South Conference for Jan 3rd.
For everyone but Presbyterian, Big South play started last year (I’m sorry I had to).
We saw some interesting results, some comebacks, and some expected results.
In this article we will break those games down, get some big takeaways, and look at the next weeks games.
Dec 31st Recap:
Radford beats USC Upstate 76-69.
Recap: Probably the least noticeable result of the 1st day of Big South action, Radford just seemed to have this one in control after Mari Jordan’s near half court 3 at the buzzer to end the first half. During the 2nd half, Radford extended the lead to as big as 13 points but after a few turnovers from the Highlanders, Upstate closed the game to 6 and could have cut it down more if it weren’t for shooting going dry.
Radford Takeaways:
When Dennis Parker is hot, this team is a true threat to anyone in the conference.
Tyson Brown is the only true rebounder, when he’s off the court, Radford is lost on the glass.
The bench production needs to step it up.
USC Upstate Takeaways:
The late game defensive traps and effort will win them games during conference play.
Having multiple BIG BODY centers will benefit them against smaller teams, 15 ORB’s in this one against Radford.
The awful shooting could be the limiting factor for Upstate.
High Point beats UNC Asheville 87-69
Recap: After trading baskets in the opening minutes, High Point took the lead and never really looked back and ended up taking a 49-35 lead into halftime. After halftime, not much changed from the first half as High Point just continued to maintain their lead, taking their first conference win of the season at one of the toughest Big South venues at UNC Asheville.
High Point Takeaways:
UNREAL depth, Asheville limited Cam Fletcher to 9 points but it opened the flood gates for Scotty Washington to have 26, along with 3 more in double figures.
Despite Asheville being one of the best interior teams in the country, High Point shot 89.5% from within 4.5 feet of the rim.
Scotty Washington is finding his footing in the offense as this is 2nd game setting a new season high for himself.
UNC Asheville Takeaways:
If you have to take one of the Big 4 off the court, it better not be for long, without one of Kam Taylor, Toyaz Solomon or Justin Wright, NET Rating is nearly -30. Without Patrick -14.5
There is ZERO depth to this roster, partially due to absences but only 7 bench points in this contest for Asheville.
Winning the turnover battle against High Point is hard and yet Asheville managed to do just that 11 to 8.
Charleston Southern beats Gardner Webb 89-79
Recap: Probably the most entertaining game of the 3 2pm EST games, and even more eye catching the 3pm between Longwood and Winthrop, this game was excitement throughout. In the 1st half, Gardner Webb looked on their way to their first D1 win and starting out conference up 1-0 even taking a 17 point lead at one point in the 1st half before taking a 12 point lead into the break. Then Charleston Southern came to play taking the lead with 12 minutes to go and never looking back winning by 10 after a 55-33 second half performance.
Charleston Southern Takeaways:
The bench ability along with fluid starting lineups makes this time very hard to scout.
Sumler is back to pre injury Sumler, 29 points in this one, 26 vs Furman, 29 vs IU Indy.
GWU’s press gave this team some issues, interesting to see if they can fix that/adapt.
Gardner Webb Takeaways:
Navuan Peterson with a big game, interesting to see if it can carry over.
Hogarth and Sims are still the key pieces, if they are off, it’s tough for them to compete.
Shooting variance is all over the place for Gardner Webb, nearly 50% EFG% in the 1st half, 35% EFG% in the 2nd half.
Longwood beats Winthrop 82-70
Recap: Finally we have the “nightcap” for Big South night one and a rematch of what felt like one of the most monotonous games from the Big South tournament last season. For the first around 4 minutes of action it was a back and forth between Longwood and Winthrop but after Elijah Tucker made a hook shot, it was Longwood to the finish. Winthrop seemingly kept it within reach throughout the game being only down 9 at half and never being down more than 13 points but coming off a grueling game against Texas Tech it just seemed like Winthrop was the more fatigued team in this one.
Winthrop Takeaways:
Logan Duncomb has that IT factor, 31 points and 13 rebounds in this contest.
DO NOT PANIC, Winthrop had an off game, that happens especially coming off a grueling game with a quick turnaround, you will not shot 32% from the field every game.
17 offensive rebounds is something you have to love if you are a Winthrop fan or coach.
Longwood Takeaways:
Momentum is building, after their loss to Delaware State, something flipped for this team, win at NC Central, vs a Non D1, and now Winthrop.
The sum is greater than the parts, when everyone is on for this team. You need your team to ALL be on as well.
7-18 from 3PT land, one of their better shooting performances of the season.
Jan 3rd Preview:
USC Upstate at Presbyterian - 2pm EST
Preview: Rough spot for Upstate, you are coming off a home loss to Radford and your reward? Face the team that had opening night off at their venue. Presbyterian obviously has the rest advantage and also their game before was against a Non D1 so really it’s been since Dec 21st that Presbyterian has faced a true D1 team. I do think Upstate is the better team and if they can turn Presbyterian over they should win this game, so for the talent and clearer path, I do think Upstate gets right and wins this one.
Score Prediction: USC Upstate 72 - Presbyterian 68
UNC Asheville at Charleston Southern - 2pm EST
Preview: DJ Patrick will return to the Buc Dome, this time in a conference rivals colors as Asheville makes the trip to face Charleston Southern. Usually these two teams would be in flipped positions with Asheville being the team entering with all the momentum and wins and CSU hovering around .500. This game should an interesting one to watch, neither team seems to turn the ball over, nor create turnovers. CSU seems to have an interior defensive advantage but hasn’t faced a big man like Toyaz Solomon. With the home court advantage, momentum and I think better depth, I do think CSU goes 2-0 to start Big South play.
Score Prediction: Charleston Southern 89 - UNC Asheville 82
Longwood at High Point - 2pm EST
Preview: This matchup always seems to be one of the best games of the season and I expect this to not disappoint. There has been something special about Ronnie Thomas and being able to coach in that Wake Forest to Durham area with a near win over Wake Forest and their buzzer beater win over NC Central. Longwood won 14 of 15 before High Point’s win last year but all those were with different coaches. High Point with their new coach seems to be rolling with only 3 losses but got a massive win over UNC Asheville. I think last years win got the monkey off High Point’s back and they continue to roll winning this one, but Longwood should keep it close.
Score Prediction: High Point 92 - Longwood 85 (OT)
Gardner Webb at Winthrop - 4pm EST
Preview: Another player facing their former school, this time its Pharrell Boyogueno facing Gardner Webb. This is a game both teams NEED to win, Winthrop has hopes of making the tournament and Gardner Webb needs to find some hope, luckily this is a game that both team I think will “get up” for and play some of their best games of the season. Sadly I don’t think that bodes well for Gardner Webb with the clear talent gap, while I think Gardner Webb will keep it close than many might expect, I do see Winthrop winning this one.
Score Prediction: Winthrop 85 - Gardner Webb 78