PREVIEW
For the first time in its 21 year history, the BB&T Classic will host neither Maryland nor George Washington, its two mainstays during the years when tournament promoter John Feinstein regularly criticized Georgetown for "not caring about kids", a reference to the tournament's long-standing relationship with the Children's Charities Foundation.
In 2015, the tournament is a single game and Feinstein is no longer the erstwhile promoter of the game. Saturday's game features a UNc-Wilmington team off to its best start in over two decades. The Seahawks are one of nine unbeaten teams in the first month of the college season, albeit with two lower division wins tucked inside its 5-0 record. Averaging almost 90 points a game, the Seahawks' offense can't be taken lightly.
UNCW is first in the nation in turnover margin and second in steals, a recognition of the tough minded defense which has set them apart in 2015-16. Guards C.J. Bryce and Jordon Talley have combined for 31 assists compared to 11 turnovers this season, and lead a balanced attack where ten different players average 15 or more minutes per game. Talley is the only shooter struggling from the field (29%), and where 6-1 Craig Ponder lead the team with a 55% shooting average and 57% from behind the three point arc (8-14). The Seahwaks average over 25 three point attempts a game, but are below 30 percent to date. If they get hot, the guards can be dangerous in a hurry.
Georgetown represents the tallest frontcourt the Seahawks have faced this season. In its 20 point win over Division II Coker College on Dec. 2, its opponent had one starter over 6-4. Combo guard Chris Flemmings has been off the bench of late but is shooting 52 percent from the field, and while UNCW can run a three guard offense, its frontcourt of 6-9 Dylan Sherwood (6.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Chuck Ogbodo (6.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 12 blocks) figure to be tested in this one.
Georgetown has been effective in recent games of getting point production up front while its starting guards been inconsistent. Expect the Hoyas to challenge the Seahwaks in its defensive sets and getting good spacing inside for its forwards, particularly Marcus Derrickson, ample opportunities inside.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Field Goal Attempts: The Seahawks average 11 more field goal attempts per game over its opponents. Georgetown must reduce the frequency of shots and thus limit second chance possessions.
L.J. Peak: UNCW's up-tempo game is tailor-made for Peak's style of play.
Devontae Cakok: A player to watch-- the 6-7 freshman is a combined 11 for 13 from the field in UNCW's three games against Division I opponents this season.
Fouls: UNCW ranks 343rd of 350 Division I teams in fouls, averaging a whopping 24 calls a game. A good day at the line for Georgetown could sink any serious hopes of the Seahawks for a Radford redux.
--hoyasaxa
For the first time in its 21 year history, the BB&T Classic will host neither Maryland nor George Washington, its two mainstays during the years when tournament promoter John Feinstein regularly criticized Georgetown for "not caring about kids", a reference to the tournament's long-standing relationship with the Children's Charities Foundation.
In 2015, the tournament is a single game and Feinstein is no longer the erstwhile promoter of the game. Saturday's game features a UNc-Wilmington team off to its best start in over two decades. The Seahawks are one of nine unbeaten teams in the first month of the college season, albeit with two lower division wins tucked inside its 5-0 record. Averaging almost 90 points a game, the Seahawks' offense can't be taken lightly.
UNCW is first in the nation in turnover margin and second in steals, a recognition of the tough minded defense which has set them apart in 2015-16. Guards C.J. Bryce and Jordon Talley have combined for 31 assists compared to 11 turnovers this season, and lead a balanced attack where ten different players average 15 or more minutes per game. Talley is the only shooter struggling from the field (29%), and where 6-1 Craig Ponder lead the team with a 55% shooting average and 57% from behind the three point arc (8-14). The Seahwaks average over 25 three point attempts a game, but are below 30 percent to date. If they get hot, the guards can be dangerous in a hurry.
Georgetown represents the tallest frontcourt the Seahawks have faced this season. In its 20 point win over Division II Coker College on Dec. 2, its opponent had one starter over 6-4. Combo guard Chris Flemmings has been off the bench of late but is shooting 52 percent from the field, and while UNCW can run a three guard offense, its frontcourt of 6-9 Dylan Sherwood (6.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Chuck Ogbodo (6.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 12 blocks) figure to be tested in this one.
Georgetown has been effective in recent games of getting point production up front while its starting guards been inconsistent. Expect the Hoyas to challenge the Seahwaks in its defensive sets and getting good spacing inside for its forwards, particularly Marcus Derrickson, ample opportunities inside.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Field Goal Attempts: The Seahawks average 11 more field goal attempts per game over its opponents. Georgetown must reduce the frequency of shots and thus limit second chance possessions.
L.J. Peak: UNCW's up-tempo game is tailor-made for Peak's style of play.
Devontae Cakok: A player to watch-- the 6-7 freshman is a combined 11 for 13 from the field in UNCW's three games against Division I opponents this season.
Fouls: UNCW ranks 343rd of 350 Division I teams in fouls, averaging a whopping 24 calls a game. A good day at the line for Georgetown could sink any serious hopes of the Seahawks for a Radford redux.
--hoyasaxa
