Canisius Preview

Canisius is named for St. Peter of Canisius. Canisius played a crucial role in the Council of Trent, where he contributed to the development of Catholic doctrine and practices. He also engaged in extensive writings, producing catechisms and devotional works that made Catholic teachings accessible to a broader audience. Canisius was deeply committed to education. He established several Jesuit colleges and worked to reform existing educational institutions. 

They are the Golden Griffins.

The Coach for the Griffins is our old pal Reggie Witherspoon, the ol buzzer banger from one of the crazier nights in the history of Falcon basketball.   He is a Permanent Enemy of the Falcon Nation.

One addition to the post is that Dakich has since said he was in a hurry to beat a blizzard coming through.

This is the 16th meeting between BG and Canisius, with BG winning 9 of the games. The series stretches back to 1956.  In those days, the GG were a true powerhouse, reaching the Elite 8 in 1956. Their last NCAA tournament appearance was in 1996.

The last game we played against them also occupies an infamous place in Falcon history.  It was the 2nd round of the CIT, and Canisius won.  After that game, Coach Jans decided to head up to Reverend's for some drinks....

Witherspoon is in his 8th year.  He had good years his first two years, when he was coaching the players from the previous coach, but since then has not had a winning season. He is 33-63 in his last three non-COVID years.

He's bad.

They were picked to be 3rd in the MAAC in the official poll and in Blue Ribbon. The MAAC is the #26 ranked conference, MAC is #18.

They played four off-season games in Quebec so they probably know where to eat.  They brought eight players back and 3 starters.  The year before 11 players sensibly transferred away from the buzzer banger.

They are 3-2 in D1 games this year.  They got a road win over a really good St. Bonaventure team (who beat Miami by 30 last night) and then beat Wofford and Western Kentucky...in Quebec.  As we know, WKU beat BG.

Their losses are @Syracuse (126) and @Cleveland State (157).

They play at pace, to be sure.  71 possessions a game...so when you hear someone say they are averaging 79, you know the real story.

To date, they have been below average on offense, ranked #205 in the nation.  They take 39% 3FGs, which is a little over average, and they are #90 in the nation at making them.  They are #240 in making 2FGs. They do turn the ball over, but they are above average on the offensive boards and at getting to the line. They make only 63% from the line, which is still 5% better than BG.

Their defense is stronger and slightly above average nationally.  Teams are making only 28% from 3FG against them, which is top 50 in the country. They allow 52% from 2FG. They are average on forcing turnovers and not good on their own boards or at keeping teams off the line.

He's a stat that you sometimes see in teams that are overachieving.  Their opponents are making only 61% of their FTs.  That's complete luck and a great help.

Siem Uijtendaal is their leading scorer.  He's Dutch. He scores 14 a game on 48% 2FG shooting and 35% 3FG shooting. And 84% at the line.

Next is Trey Dinkins at 13.2.  It's rough though, with 26% on 2FGs and 34% from 3FG.  

Bryce Okpoh scores 11 a game on 62% 2FG shooting.  He's 6'7".

Finally, Frank Mitchell is a 6'8" Canadian player who averages a double double. He makes 63% of his 2FGs.

Although they lack a true big, they are are long and play the #76 most height in the country.  They are young.

So, put the poutine away.  This is the last game in Quebec.  It's a good test on a neutral floor.