EMU MBB Preview

Two games left.

EMU is coming to town.  We started the MAC season with them and now we are (almost) ending it with them.

EMU was picked #7 in the media poll, largely in anticipation of an oversized impact by Emoni Bates.  It didn't work out that way. They have been near the bottom of the standings all year.  They have now won 4 of their last 9 (four better than BG) and their last 2...and in the soft underbelly of the MAC chasing the #8 seed, where a 5-11 record gets you to Cleveland, the Eagles currently sit in #8 and one game ahead of the Falcons.

Those four wins included @MU, and OU, WM and BS at home.

BG won the first game by 26 in YPSI, despite being -17 in free throws.  BG never trailed in that one and it was a promising win for its size if not its opponent.

EMU does not have great numbers.  They are #11 on offense and #10 on defense.  BG is #11 on defense but #6 on offense...by the way, based just on these numbers, there's no way BG should be behind EMU in the standings.

As we know, BG is the easiest team to shoot against in the MAC.  EMU is #1 in shooting.  They don't take that many 3FGs, which is good because they are last in the MAC in 3FG shooting.  They are 7th in 2FG shooting--and BG is 11th defending the 2FG.  They are decent taking care of the ball, but are last in offensive rebounding and in the middle of the pack at getting to the line.  They do lead the MAC in FG shooting at 79%.  If BG can control the boards, it becomes a battle of poor shooting against poor shooting defense.

Looking the other way, EMU is really poor on defense.  They are 10th against the shot and last on 2FGs.  They defend the 3FG well (5th).  They don't force turnovers, they are poor on the boards and they give up a good number of FTs.  

You'd think BG would make shots in this one.

Emoni Bates is the leading scorer for EMU.  He has not been the one-man ticket to the title some thought, but he has had some ridiculous performance, including scoring 29 straight points against UT at Savage.  He is scoring 19.5 PPG in confence play on 46% and 29% shooting.  Among players using 28% of their team's possessions or more, he is #7 in offensive efficiency.  Which isn't bad, but not what his billing way.  His gross stats are inflated because he has used 32% of their possessions, top in the MAC.  He also leads the team with 6.2 RPG.

Tyson Acuff is scoring 14.7 PPG on 58% and 38% shooting, which is much more efficient. He also leads the team with 2.4 APG and 20 steals.

Noah Farrakhan is scoring 12.1 PPG, on 57% and 17%.

So, we shall see.  BG still has a shot, but right now they are as close to last place as they are to making the tourney.