MAC Play Begins: OU in the Convo

 And so it begins.  With the odd number of teams and the Sun Belt challenge, I am a fan of getting a couple of these games moving in December.

The Bobcats were picked #4 in the MAC in the conference poll and Blue Ribbon.  BG has won 6 of the last 10 meetings between the two teams, with the last win at the Convo coming in 2020. last year, OU won the only meeting, which was at the Stroh.

Since 2010, BG is 5-10 at the Convo, which has a #42 home advantage according to KenPom.

OU is 5-6, 4-6 in D1 games against the #95 toughest schedule...the toughest in the MAC. They have beaten #94 Illinois State and #114 St. Bonaventure.  Losses include Louisville, St. Mary's and George Mason, along with a bad home loss to Bethune-Cook (235).  

They have won 4 straight. BG is a 1-point favorite.

They are unadjusted efficiency scores.  The D1 average right now is 1.077 points per possession, which is inching up.  D1 games only.

When looking at these stats, be mindful that OU has played a much tougher schedule.  They key point here is defense.  BG is defending really effectively...that's the #17 defensive efficiency in the country.  We will have to see how it translates into conference play.  OU's offense is below average, and they are #285 in defense.

Three of the 4 metrics are really good for BG.  They are #65 against the shot, #12 at forcing turnovers, and #61 on the defensive boards.  They are #54 defending the 3FG.  BG does give up a lot of FTs.

OU's numbers are all generally in the average range.  They only take 36% from 3FG, which is below average and they make only 29%, which is bad. They make 54% from 2FG.

As mentioned, OU has been weak on defense.  BG shoots well, OU does not defend the shot especially well.  They don't force turnovers and give up a lot of offensive rebounds.

Their leading scorer is Jackson Pavaletzke, who is a throwback floppy-sock gymrat with a magician's set of tools in the paint. He's scoring 16.5 PPG on 57% and 38% shooting, good in any league. Also makes 80% at the line and 4.3 APG.

Aidan Hadaway is scoring 14.5 PPG on 60% and 31% shooting. Also leads the team with 7.6 RPG.

Former Rocket Javan Simmons scores 13.5 PPG on 54% 2FG shooting.

So here we go.