Line: Broncos -17 and 95% win probability on Torvik; Also a 95% win probability on ESPN, no line yet.
Mount St. Mary’s:
3-6 on the year, only two wins vs. D1 teams (narrow victories over Robert Morris and Howard). Losses in Villanova and Kentucky but also blowout loss to Navy and recent loss to Loyola (MD). They are currently ranked #298 on Torvik, one of the weaker teams on our non-con schedule along w/ Cal Poly and Florida A&M. Also appears that they play at a slower deliberate pace; the Broncos need to get out and run and play at our preferred tempo. Their best player appears to be 5-10 point guard Jalen Benjamin (just under 14 pts and 4 assists /game). They have some decent front court size with several 6-8 to 6-9 guys who appear to be OK rebounders but not big scorers.
This is an opportunity for the Broncos to get healthy and a chance for some of the supporting cast off the bench to get some PT and prove they are capable contributors. Holt returned to practice last week and suited up last game, so might see him for bit. Probably a long shot for Vrankic to return this game, I imagine it will be another week or two for him.
Based on some social media posts, it appears Bediako was dressed for practice so maybe his injury isn’t all that serious; that said, wouldn’t be surprised if they just hold him out of this game as a precaution.
Prediction: Broncos get back in the win column 80-65.
Got to see the last 6 minutes… The Mount is terrible. Herb’s style of Man D is allowing them to pick their best matchups and stay in the game. 46-43 at half.
SCU is far superior athletically so they will win this one even though Sendek is trying his best to let The Mount score 100.
Holt and Tongue have both played, have gone 9 deep so far. Plenty of able bodies even with Vrankic out and Bediako presumably out.
Knapper is and has been suited up and available as well. Given the backcourt depth he isn’t really needed, they are presumably holding him out to preserve his redshirt year, no reason to burn a year of eligibility playing token or garbage time minutes.
Can we talk about Carlos Stewart’s dunk? Wow. He even went off the wrong foot. It seems like he can always get to his spot on the court, only a matter now of learning what he can and can’t do when gets to that spot. Hopefully by conference play he will give us 15 to 20 minutes per game where coach can tell him to go use his relentless energy. I would not mind seeing him pick up the opponent’s point guard full court…just to be a nuisance and wear them out/ throw off their rhythm.
I think it’s pretty obvious he should be logging 20 minutes or so a night. He’s going to make mistakes too, but that should be expected. Sendek’s always had an extremely limited rotation at SCU… not very good for developing a guy if you ask me.
Stewart and GWilliams were kind of forced into action last night with Bediako out, otherwise I’m not sure how much Sendek would play them. They both provided a spark.
Also I agree with you that Stewart could be a real nuisance to an opponent providing full court pressure. Unfortunately Sendek won’t play that way.
I agree on Stewart, he can really help us in many different ways if given the opportunity.
Let’s reward a player who plays his ass off, thinks team first, and wants to be a part of this and hopefully eliminate the mistakes of recruiting players the opposite: Besselink, Dujuricic, Wertz, etc
Good eye Bob. I didn’t catch the wrong foot when I saw it live, but that takes degree of difficulty up several notches. Stew had a very good game and I like the steady progress. Gonna be fun to watch this guy!