UMAC Game of the Week: Minnesota Morris vs. Northland - Men's Basketball
The UMAC Game of the Week runs each week during the conference regular season and breaks down one key matchup from one sport.
The Matchup
Saturday, Jan. 12 - University of Minnesota Morris at Northland College, men's basketball, 4:45 p.m. in Ashland, Wisconsin
***UPDATE***
Northland wins 84-73
What's at Stake
- Postseason hopes - Early on in the season, both squads find themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt. The Cougars have been the No. 5 seed in each of the last two seasons, while the LumberJacks missed out by one game a year ago and will look to return after finishing fourth in 2016-17.
- Beating the odds - Both teams will look to out-perform the preseason predictions from the UMAC coaches. The Cougars sit 3-2 prior to Wednesday's games and already knocked off perennial power College of St. Scholastica this season. The Cougars were picked fourth in the Preseason Coaches' Poll but could push for a top three finish at this rate. The LumberJacks were tabbed just seventh but have lost two conference games by a combined 10 points and can quickly get on track to finish in the top five with a win Saturday.
Previously in Action
- Minnesota Morris outscored North Central University by 28 points in the second half to overcome a 13-point deficit for a 100-85 win on the road Saturday. The Cougars will face Martin Luther College at home Wednesday at 7:15 p.m.
- Northland handed Crown College its first UMAC loss of the season Saturday on the road holding on for a 79-76 win. The LumberJacks will look to move to .500 in league play against a 0-5 North Central squad Wednesday night at home.
Need to Know
- Closely contested - Four of Northland's five conference games this season have been decided by single digits figures. The LumberJacks should keep the game close with the Cougars meaning this one has the potential for a thrilling finish.
- Offense vs. Defense - The Cougars are among the top scoring teams in the conference with 85.0 ppg, while Northland is third allowing 75.0 ppg. Additionally, the Cougars are the top perimeter team in the league shooting a best 41.1 percent in league games with 10.2 made per game. However, the LumberJacks are second in 3-point defense (28.0 percent allowed). The team that can best execute its game plan to counter the other team's strength should come out on top.
- Keys to success - Minnesota Morris is last in conference games for turnovers (15.0) meaning they will need to limit their mistakes against Northland's defense. Northland is last in rebounding margin (-5.8) and will need to be more aggressive on the glass than normal against the Cougars.
Players to Watch - Minnesota Morris
- Noah Grove, Sr., G - All-UMAC last season; UMAC Stats: 16.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.8 apg
- Jeremy Halverson, Sr., F - UMAC Stats: 13.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 92.9 FT% (1st), 55.6 3-pt% (1st), 3.0 3-pt made (1st), 0.8 bpg
- James Pendleton, So., G - UMAC Stats: 12.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.2 apg
Players to Watch - Northland
- Ben Arqueros, Sr., G - UMAC Stats: 11.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 2.0 spg
- Modesta Britten, Jr., G/F - UMAC Stats: 17.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 52.0 FG%, 2.2 apg, 1.2 bpg
- Brandon Galland, Sr., G - UMAC Stats: 11.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, a.6 spg
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2018-19 Game of the Week Archives