RedHawk Preview

And so here we go.

This is an interesting assignment for BG.  Looking at the whole schedule right now, this is the one we would be most favored to win.  So, that's good if you get off to a good start, but does kind of put some pressure on the first game, because you don't want to start with this one as a loss.

Miami has a new coach.  Their new coach is Jack Owen, who came over from Purdue.  The program has not recovered since the Charlie Coles finish.  This is unusual...Miami is a historic MAC power, so I'd expect that Owen will get them rebuilt.  He was Matt Painter's top assistant for 9 years and he's a great match for Miami.

In the meantime, though, it doesn't happen in one year.  Also, you'll remember that the All-MAC Freshmen Michael Weathers transferred to Oklahoma State and his twin transferred to Duquesne.  Both teams are very young.  Miami is the #314 youngest team and BG is #341.

Miami is 7-6 with 2 non D-1 wins.  Their best win was over Fort Wayne in Oxford and they lost to Hartford on a neutral floor for their worst loss.  They are ranked #274 as of 12/31.  They have won twice on the road this year.

So here's how the game shapes up overall.  Tempo will be a big deal.  BG is going at 75 possessions a game and Miami at 67.  If BG can get stops then they can push the tempo.

Let's talk about that.

As we have seen before, BG is a team that struggles to get stops playing against a team that struggles to put the ball in the basket.  Generally, teams have found themselves able to score on the Falcons, with the exception of the Green Bay game.  The boys have had some quality practice time, so hopefully our young guys will continue to play better defense.  BG has had an effective offense and Miami's defense has been about the same.  The NCAA average to date is 1.035 points per possession.

These are the numbers of teams that are struggling.  As you would expect from a team that lost their PG, the RedHawks are one of the 20 worst teams in D1 at taking care of the ball.  They also don't get to the line.  Their shooting is poor as well and they are about average on the boards.  (Actually, it is pretty interesting.  BG is #274 in overall defense, but except for turnovers, they are at or above the national average).

The key issue for Miami is that they are #44 in trying 3FGs but #258 in making them.  Hopefully, they don't find the mark against BG's 3FG defense, which is right at the national average.  The RedHawks are also below average on 2FGs.

As noted, things are different when you have BG has the ball.  Miami is very good on the boards, which you would expect and they don't let teams get to the line.  Also, they do force some turnovers and BG has been very good on that front.  I'd say those two areas will be the key flash points.  Note that BG's EFG% has been falling and is now below average for D1.

Miami features one double figure scorer.  Nike Sibandie.  He's a true FR from Indianapolis.  He scores 14 PPG but on 43% and 35% shooting.  Their PG is Darrian Ringo, a JUCO transfer with 7.9 assists per game.  That's #4 overall in D1 and that's for a low-possession team.  Tempo-free he is #2 in the country.  He is also #3 in the nation in steal %.

Logan McLane at 9.6PPG and 52% shooting and 6.2 RPG (he's a senior) and true FR Jalen Adaway is scoring 9.4 PPG on 54% shooting and 5.8 RPG game.

One last factor in this one.  Miami played at OSU on Saturday, so they had a quicker turnaround than BG, who have not played a competitive game since they were in Green Bay.