UMAC Game of the Week: Crown vs. Northland - 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. 6 - Crown at Northland, men's basketball, 3 p.m. in Ashland, Wisconsin
***UPDATE***
Northland wins 63-62 on game-winning 3-point buzzer-beater
What's at Stake
- Postseason hopes - Northland hopes to make the UMAC tournament for a second-straight season, while Crown looks for its first trip since 2013-14. The Storm was picked fifth in the preseason poll, while the LumberJacks were only 10 pts back in seventh. A win Saturday could be critical down the line come playoff time.
- Streaks - Crown will look for its second-straight conference win and third in four games before facing UMAC-undefeated Bethany Lutheran College next week. Northland is on a two-game losing streak and fell in three of the last four including two conference games. The Jacks will look for a momentum swing in the right direction with a win Saturday.
Previously in Action
- Crown defeated Wisconsin-Superior at home in closely-contested game with a 77-69 decision Wednesday.
- Northland's comeback fell short in a 65-54 loss to Northwestern Wednesday on the road.
Need to Know
- Small margin of error - Crown is 2-2 in conference play thanks to a statement 79-75 win over reigning champion University of Northwestern, but the Storm's two losses have been by a total of just 14 combined points.
- 3-point factor - Both teams shoot 33 percent from beyond the arc in conference games but are the bottom two teams in defending the 3-point shot. Hitting and defending from outside could be a difference-maker in getting the win.
- On the glass - Crown averages 40 rebounds per game while Northland is the top defending team in rebounds allowing just 32.8 per game. Rebounding could have a significant impact on the outcome as well.
Players to Watch - Crown
- Austin VanDerHeyden, Sr., P - All-UMAC last season; UMAC Stats: 20.0 ppg, 54.2 FG%, 9.0 rpg
- Josh Volness, Jr., W - All-UMAC last season; UMAC Stats: 16.5 ppg, 43.3 3pt%, 83.3 FT%, Leads UMAC in made 3ptr. (3.3 pg)
- Tim Wendel, So., F- All-UMAC, Freshman of the Year last season; UMAC Stats: 17.0 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 43.5 FG%, 32.4 3pt%, 2.8 made 3ptr. pg
Players to Watch - Northland
- Brandon Galland, Jr., G - UMAC Stats: 14.5 ppg, 88.2 FT%, 3.3 ast/g
- Thomas Whiting, Sr., F - Honorable Mention, All-Defensive last season; UMAC Stats: 7.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.8 blk/g
- Matt Zorn, Sr., F - UMAC Stats: 10.0 ppg, 9.3 rpg
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2017-18 Game of the Week Archives