UMAC Game of the Week: Minnesota Morris vs. St. Scholastica - Men's Basketball
The UMAC Game of the Week runs each Thursday during the conference regular season and breaks down one key matchup from one sport.
The Matchup
Saturday, Jan. 27 - University of Minnesota Morris at the College of St. Scholastica, men's basketball, 3 p.m. in Duluth, Minnesota
***UPDATE***
St. Scholastica wins 82-73
What's at Stake
- Classic Rivalry - Any time Minnesota Morris and St. Scholastica play in any sport, the intensity is up for this UMAC rivalry. This season, both teams are among the top four fighting for a conference title, so the stakes are even higher.
- Season-bragging rights - Minnesota Morris took the first game of the season series in late December 72-66. The Saints (7-3) will look for a win for revenge and to move even with the Cougars in the standings (7-2) in second place.
- Extending the streak - St. Scholastica is on a five-game winning streak (four-consecutive UMAC wins), while Minnesota Morris has won six of its last seven games and four out of five conference tilts.
- Postseason positioning - Bethany Lutheran (8-2) holds a one-game win advantage over the Cougars after having a bye Wednesday. The Vikings own a tie breaker over the Cougars, while St. Scholastica evened the season series with the Vikings with a win Saturday. A win for the Saints would create a gridlock in second with the Cougars, Saints and the University of Northwestern, pending the outcome of Bethany Lutheran's contest. Northwestern currently holds a tie breaker over the Saints and Cougars, but both teams must faced the Eagles again. This game will have significant impact on postseason seeding.
Previously in Action
- Minnesota Morris had a UMAC bye Wednesday but defeated Trinity Bible College 111-48 Tuesday on the road.
- St. Scholastica dominated North Central University Wednesday with a big 75-54 UMAC win in Minneapolis.
Need to Know
- Offense vs. Defense - Both teams are at opposite ends of the spectrum, which should make it tough as they'll have to limit their weaknesses in order to win. The Cougars lead the league in scoring (87.3 ppg) while the Saints allow the fewest points per contest (75.9). In order to win, the Saints will need to score big and the Cougars will need to play solid defense.
- Outside shots - St. Scholastica leads the league in made 3-point shots (9.0 pg) but has the worst 3-point percentage in the league (30.8). Minnesota Morris is one of the top teams in 3-point percentage (39.2) and makes 7.7 per game. The Cougars are also the second-best defending team against the 3-pointer (30.8). Shots beyond the arc should play a big role in either team's ability to win.
- Ball control - The Saints are the top team in the league for turnover margin (2.50) and ast/To ration (1.69), while the Cougars commit the most turnovers per game (14.9). The ability to control the ball will be key for both squads.
Players to Watch - Minnesota Morris
- CD Douglas, Sr., G - All-UMAC last season; UMAC Stats: Leads UMAC, 22.6 ppg, 61.0 FG%; 91.4 FT%, 4.6 ast/g, 1.4 stl/g
- Noah Grove, Jr., F - UMAC Stats: 21.2 ppg, 48.0 FG%, 7.1 rpg
- Jeremy Halverson, Jr., F - UMAC Stats: 9.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.1 blk/g
Players to Watch - St. Scholastica
- Collin Anderson, So., G - UMAC Stats: 14.9 ppg, 4.0 ast/g; Leads UMAC 93.1 FT%, 3.0 ast/TO
- Brandon Newman, Jr., G - All-UMAC last season, UMAC Stats: 12.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 4.0 ast/g, 1.3 stl/g, 2.4 ast/TO
- Jarod Wilken, Fy., F - UMAC Stats: 11.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.1 blk/g
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2017-18 Game of the Week Archives