Line: Torvik- SMC -1, 45% Bronco win probability; ESPN- no line yet, 44% Bronco win probability.
SMC:
19-4 overall, 7-1 in the WCC and they have moved in to the top 25. Important to note, that SMC league schedule to date has been on the weaker side, they have not played GU yet and have played us, BYU and USF once each.
SMC has relied mostly on a strong defense but recently some of their players are coming to life at the offensive end. 6-7 wing Alex Ducas has raised his scoring to over 14pts/game in the WCC and seems to be their go-to scorer of late. And Kyle Bowen, who has been more of role player, defender and rebounder has shot it better. Bowen is averaging less than 6pts/game on the season but has scored in double digits the last 2 games and shot 7/10 from 3 over those 2 games. Justice will likely be matched on Ducas and guessing Vrankic on Bowen…something to keep an eye on as those matchups and our defensive performance vs. those emerging players could be key.
Broncos need to keep the good offensive balance, with multiple guys contributing, and good player and ball movement…don’t need hero ball from anyone. Pipes seems to be gradually emerging from his shooting slump…continuation of that trend would be a bonus.
Defensively, Broncos have to keep Tass and Bowen (and their back-ups) off the glass.
(1) SMC plays the Zags this Saturday. I think Bennett will have his guys plenty prepared, and they are always disciplined. But with SMC getting back in the top 25 and their archival coming up, they’re liable to get caught looking ahead.
(2) USF has a grueling Tuesday–Thursday–Saturday schedule this week. So they’ll have one day to prepare for SCU while SCU will have three.
Post-season aspirations start here. Revenge week is upon us. 72-66 Broncos. Pipes continues to claw his way back and gets 17 points.
I want to see more HOLT against SMC. He brings an intangible to the game, his hustle seems infectious. Plus, he truly appears full of joy when he is on the court!
Big big game tonight! Super excited to watch. I’m proud to see the effort in the advertisements for this game and the emphasis on a strong home court advantage. I really hope to see a strong showing from the Ruffriders.
I agree with Patty, PJ Pipes continues his hot shooting night with a strong 17 point game with efficient shooting. 76-72 Broncos! Scocos!!!