WMU's Steve Hawkins (South Alabama, 1987), 186-135, 12 seasons; 49-24 at WMU, third season. South Alabama's John Pelphrey (Kentucky, 1992), 36-48, four seasons, all at USA.
The series
WMU leads 1-0, winning the only meeting, 64-45, in December 2004 at University Arena.
Probable starters
For WMU: Senior Brian Snider (6-foot-6, 9.8 points per game) and freshman Shawntes Gary (6-2, 4.3) at guard; senior Stane's Bufford (6-5, 11.6) and sophomore Andrew Hershberger (6-7, 11.7) at forward; and sophomore Joe Reitz (6-7, 13.8) at center.
For USA: Senior Mario Jointer (6-3, 12.8) and junior Carlos Smith (6-0, 7.2) at guard; seniors Chey Christie (6-4, 9.5) and Richard Law (6-6, 11.0) at forward; and junior Jason McGriff (6-9, 7.5) at center.
The matchup
WMU enters the game eager to show off its ``consistent'' work ethic, which it found in the final two games in Hawaii. The Broncos are still struggling to make teams pay for double-teams against Reitz, though Bufford has improved over the last six games, averaging more than 14 points per outing. Reitz's status, however, is uncertain. He sat out Thursday night's practice with the flu. South Alabama is likely fuming over its first bad loss of the season, a 78-75 decision at woeful Alabama State, which the Jaguars had already beaten by 17 points earlier this year. Of South Alabama's eight wins, a 66-62 victory over then-No. 25 Houston on Dec. 17 is its most impressive. The Jaguars also have a one-point victory over Loyola Marymount, which WMU beat by a single point, as well. South Alabama is extremely quick and balanced offensively, and leads the Sun Belt Conference in 3-point-shooting defense (.293) and turnover margin (4.0).
How WMU wins
South Alabama allowed Alabama State to shoot 51 percent for the game, and that's despite Alabama State's 3-for-15 clip from 3-point range. For the Broncos, who are connecting on less than 30 percent from beyond the arc for the season, following this formula should spell victory. WMU turns the ball over fewer than 15 times. When it does so (5 of 9 games), its worst result is a six-point loss to Northern Iowa. South Alabama isn't Northern Iowa.
How South Alabama wins
South Alabama's quickness offensively allows for penetration and open looks on the perimeter. That, in turn, leads to the Jaguars scoring more than 70 points. When an opponent does that, WMU is 1-4 this season.
The series
WMU leads 1-0, winning the only meeting, 64-45, in December 2004 at University Arena.
Probable starters
For WMU: Senior Brian Snider (6-foot-6, 9.8 points per game) and freshman Shawntes Gary (6-2, 4.3) at guard; senior Stane's Bufford (6-5, 11.6) and sophomore Andrew Hershberger (6-7, 11.7) at forward; and sophomore Joe Reitz (6-7, 13.8) at center.
For USA: Senior Mario Jointer (6-3, 12.8) and junior Carlos Smith (6-0, 7.2) at guard; seniors Chey Christie (6-4, 9.5) and Richard Law (6-6, 11.0) at forward; and junior Jason McGriff (6-9, 7.5) at center.
The matchup
WMU enters the game eager to show off its ``consistent'' work ethic, which it found in the final two games in Hawaii. The Broncos are still struggling to make teams pay for double-teams against Reitz, though Bufford has improved over the last six games, averaging more than 14 points per outing. Reitz's status, however, is uncertain. He sat out Thursday night's practice with the flu. South Alabama is likely fuming over its first bad loss of the season, a 78-75 decision at woeful Alabama State, which the Jaguars had already beaten by 17 points earlier this year. Of South Alabama's eight wins, a 66-62 victory over then-No. 25 Houston on Dec. 17 is its most impressive. The Jaguars also have a one-point victory over Loyola Marymount, which WMU beat by a single point, as well. South Alabama is extremely quick and balanced offensively, and leads the Sun Belt Conference in 3-point-shooting defense (.293) and turnover margin (4.0).
How WMU wins
South Alabama allowed Alabama State to shoot 51 percent for the game, and that's despite Alabama State's 3-for-15 clip from 3-point range. For the Broncos, who are connecting on less than 30 percent from beyond the arc for the season, following this formula should spell victory. WMU turns the ball over fewer than 15 times. When it does so (5 of 9 games), its worst result is a six-point loss to Northern Iowa. South Alabama isn't Northern Iowa.
How South Alabama wins
South Alabama's quickness offensively allows for penetration and open looks on the perimeter. That, in turn, leads to the Jaguars scoring more than 70 points. When an opponent does that, WMU is 1-4 this season.
