UT MBB Preview

So, the regular season and probably the season ends Friday at Savage Hall.  BG needs a win and then a CMU loss to Akron to make it to Cleveland, where we would probably play UT again.  So, if we beat UT twice in a row, once on their floor, we'd have a shot to play in the semi finals.

Kenpom says BG has a 5% chance to win Friday.  So there is a chance.

It was another crazy day in the Falcon Nation, as David Briggs revealed that Huger was "quietly" given a one-year extension after the pandemic, meaning he has three years left on his deal, not two.  For fans demanding he be fired, I believe it got a little less likely, just for the cost.  I thought he would be back before, but it's even more likely now.

May also explain why he has seemed no unconcerned.

UT is just really good this year.  They beat BG by 13 in the first game at the Stroh.  They are 24-6 and 16-3 and have a kenpom of 81, which is actually slightly worse than they had last year.  They are #1 in the MAC in offense and #2 in defense. They are the best shooting team and the best team against the shot. They are #1 in 3FG shooting and #2 in 2FG shooting.  They are #2 in FT shooting and #1 in taking care of the ball.

Defensively, they allow the fewest FTs, are #1 defending the 2FG and #2 defending the 3FG. This is a complete team that excels on both ends of the floor.

They have lost only once at home this year (Kent) and did the same last year.

Worst yet, they have something to play for.  They would be the #2 seed if they lost to us and Kent won.  I expect Savage to be rocking.

BG played better on Tuesday against OU, but they would need a performance at least that good and probably better on Friday.