CMU Redux

So, BG gets what I hope is a gift, which is a quick turnaround to play CMU at the Stroh on Tuesday.  I always think after a tough loss that its best to get back out there right away and exorcize the demons.

CMU is 5-5 in the MAC.  They started out 2-0, but then lost to BG in game 3 as part of starting a streak where they have lost three of eight.  They are no pushover.  They only lost to UT by 4 at Savage, lead UB at halftime on Saturday, etc.  They are certainly competitive.

In fact, they led BG by 6 with 1:33 left in the first game before BG rallied to tie the game and then won it in overtime.  Of course, that game was in Mt. Pleasant.

Overall, CMU relies on its offense to win.  They play the third fastest pace in the MAC and they are third in shooting and second in offensive rebounding and getting to the line.  They are the #2 3FG shooting team in the MAC.  They are 10th in defense, however.  They are 10th in defending the shot, #9 on the defensive boards and #9 at forcing turnovers.  They defend the 3FG well but are last in defending the 2FG.

Below is the report from the first game.  Your key elements here are that BG outshot CMU and beat them on turnovers and on the boards, where they typically have success.  Free throws kept them in the game.  The Chips made 24 of 35 and BG made only 15 of 23.

Shawn Roundtree leads them with 16.5 PPG...with 47% 3FG shooting.  Larry Austin--a transfer-0-is their leading scorer overall but is struggling more in conference play.  He is scoring 14.5 on 43% overall shooting and 36 turnovers in 10 games.  Rob Montgomery is scoring 14.4 and DiLeo is scoring 11.6.  Remember, they play a fast pace which inflates scoring averages.  Austin also leads the team with 6.6 rebounds and also 6 assists per game.

He scored 26 in the first game between the two teams, adding 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 turnovers.  Roundtree, McKay, DiLeo and Dallas Morgan also ended up in double figures.  For BG, Justin Turner scored 30, Laster had 18 and Wiggins added 16 rebounds.

The next six games are critical for BG.  They have four of them at home...its CMU, @NIU, Akron, @Ohio, Miami and Kent, before BG finished @Akron and @Buffalo.  Of the next six, there's not one that isn't winnable, and the best case scenario is that BG bounces back on Tuesday and starts another winning streak that can set them up for a bye and possible championship before heading into the JAR.