Something is telling me WF shows up for this game.
IMO Wakes last two opponents where much more worthy than what Joe's faced. I am going against what I normally do in possibly taking a team that is very weak minded defensively, but looking at what Joes has done defensively over the last five games, I see things possibly evening out.
WF played a much tougher schedule, including their last two. Joes allowed Xavier to shoot 71% from the floor. More importantly, they allowed the offensive juggernaut Texas Tech to shoot 47%. I think Joes may be getting into uncharted waters here were as WF is perfectly at home, defense or no defense, in these later games. They already had their close call. They are also not getting the attention here which may give them more reason to focus. I think you are seeing the real St Joes and the capabilities of their defense being exposed this late in the season now that they aren't in conference. WF is beaten on all year and they are what they are. I'm starting to think Wake has a much better chance in a shootout. WF's last game against Manhattan I think really helps them coming into tonight. I think Joes not being a big time in conference foe or an unknown dog, the fact that they are the hunted and the one getting all the attention in this matchup, will favor WF.
Note:
Against the one lone similar opponent, WF shot better and defended better, with more rebounds.
Joes is 0-8 ATS against good shooting teams in the second half of the season.
Post season tourney games, WF is 11-5 SU (the one big year included of course), Joes is 4-3 SU.
In March games, WF 21-14 SU, Joes 11-14 SU.
WF out rebounds their opponents in road games by 4, while Joes is out rebounded by 5 on theroad.
As bad as WF is defensively, they still outscored opponents of a much tougher schedule by 3 on the year.