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| Courtesy Replayphotos.com |
The Mountaineers (7-10, 3-4) have lost 3 of their last 4 games with the most recent loss a 73-61 setback on the road at Wofford. Poor shot defense could be attributed in the loss, as ASU allowed the Terriers to shoot better than 50% from the floor. In fact, in its previous loss, App St allowed Davidson to shoot better than 50% as well.
The Mountaineers have 3 players in double figure scoring led by Omar Carter, Preseason SOCON Player of the Year, with 12.8. Jamaal Trice and Andre Williamson join Carter in scoring with 10.5 and 10.5 respectively.
On the other hand, the Catamounts boast 4 players in double figure scoring lead by Horouna Mutombo with 13.8, Trey Sumler with 11.7, Keaton Cole with 11.3, and Brandon Boggs 10.4.
Boggs had success as a freshman last year against the the Mountaineers scoring 30 combined points in both contests while shooting 62%.
WCU swept ASU last year with a 79-78 win, on a last second shot, and a 80-75 road victory in Boone. The Catamounts trail in the overall series with the Mountaineers 66-110.
The Cats, currently. are tied for 1st in the North Division with Elon and can secure an outright lead with a win in Boone and an Elon loss.
With that here are the Keys to the Game:
-Guard Omar Carter: There is a reason he was named SOCON Preseason Player of the Year. Don't let his down numbers fool you, 12.8ppg, he can flat out shoot the rock. He dropped 21 points on UNC. Shutting him down and making his teammates score will be imperative.
-Dominate the paint: The Cats have to control the boards and get offensive rebounds. They also need to limit second chance points for the Mountaineers. ASU likes to run, so limiting long misses will be important.
-Stay Poised: The Catamounts are facing their arch-rival. Its going to be loud. If ASU decides to make a run Western has to stayed poised and not get rattled. Long runs could easily turn a close game into a rout.
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