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WCU
Jan 15, 2024 9:42:15 GMT -5
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Post by Cujo on Jan 15, 2024 9:42:15 GMT -5
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WCU
Jan 15, 2024 10:02:43 GMT -5
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Post by sudog03 on Jan 15, 2024 10:02:43 GMT -5
2 things I'm watching:
1. Can we keep them off the boards? Especially as it relates to their oReb. Holding them in single digit oReb will be key.
2. How do we shoot the 3? A percentage above 35% will need to occur for us to win, IMO.
One team with a 15 game win streak. Another with a 9 game streak and undefeated at home this season. A Samford win puts in the pole position for the 1 seed. Should be a great matchup.
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WCU
Jan 15, 2024 11:30:45 GMT -5
Post by SU DOG on Jan 15, 2024 11:30:45 GMT -5
Cujo has the consensus margin of picks, as Samford is a 3.8 points favorite with the projected score to be 78-74. Still there are outliers to this prediction such as ESPN. Forebet even has WCU winning by a score of 69-68, while Tipico Sportsbook has SU as a 9.5 points favorite. Stats, records, and other comparisons are really far too similar to calculate with any degree of certainty.
Just a reminder: While it can be done under wraps and illegally, sports betting in this state is totally ILLEGAL. That even includes offshore computer wagering. In March the Alabama Legislature will consider a bill to allow sports betting. In Georgia offshore sports betting is legal, but not any other type. In Florida, the issue is somewhat cloudy as it was illegal, but Hard Rock began allowing sports betting again just this past December. In Mississippi and Tennessee sports betting is wide open and easily done.
Personally, I don't participate, nor do I intend to. Overall, the bookies win or else there wouldn't be this business. I just present this info often because it is interesting to some and begin with this disclaimer: For Entertainment Purposes ONLY!
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WCU
Jan 15, 2024 14:58:33 GMT -5
Post by Cujo on Jan 15, 2024 14:58:33 GMT -5
My pick was based upon each teams' historical tendencies, i.e. average points for/against, shooting percentage, free throw percentage, and assists. But it also took in the human elements, i.e. WCU having the home game, team chemistry and discipline. Unlike 03 (aka "Spock") who thinks life is a computer algorithm of 1s and 0s and statistics, my prediction recognizes the human elements. We are not just numbers, 03, we have souls too.
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WCU
Jan 15, 2024 15:12:34 GMT -5
Post by The Cats on Jan 15, 2024 15:12:34 GMT -5
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WCU
Jan 15, 2024 15:24:47 GMT -5
Post by SU DOG on Jan 15, 2024 15:24:47 GMT -5
My scouting report:
If the Samford full court press is to be successful, then the Cats PG Russell Jones Jr. must be stopped from single handedly breaking it. A doble team avoided by Jones means a 4-3 or even a 5-3 advantage for WCU. Jones is lightening quick and that would be a dangerous scenario for the Dogs. Pressure should be okay because WCU is very deliberate in setting up their offense, but they will take a fast break opportunity if we allow this to happen with our double team.
Offensively for Samford, I don't see how Western can stop Achor. They have 3 Bigs, but I don't think any can possibly stay with him. Achor may set up low and have success there. However, I would like to see him at high post. His outside shot has to be respected and if they come out, he will school them on attacking the basket. Also the screen and roll from high post should open some deadly scoring opportunities with either a shooter being wide open or Achor rolling for a layup.
Defensively I hope we can play m-t-m (although our zone can be very effective because of our quickness) without the double team on Woolbright. I think AJ can at least slow him down somewhat. His assist numbers giving off to really good 3-point shooters is a big concern. I would think that our Bigs can play back low and not follow their guy out far at all. Interesting that their 3 Bigs have taken a grand total of 2 attempts from 3-point land this whole season and have had made ZERO. They have contributed in other ways as 6-11 Charles Lampten has 31 blocked shots this season. This plan would also allow us to be in good rebound position and help with Woolbright's attacking the basket. Not only Achor, but IMO Allenspach and even Loveday can operate effectively vs their post guys.
If we play smart and shoot reasonably well the Dogs win this one.
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WCU
Jan 15, 2024 15:41:22 GMT -5
Post by SU DOG on Jan 15, 2024 15:41:22 GMT -5
As for the weather, I just hope this game is not postponed. I would not be surprised though if it is. I have heard that the northern half of Alabama has already gotten lots of snow (snow angels being made in Florence) and there is an ice warning for all of central Alabama. Schools in my county are closed tomorrow. Where is that Global Warming, we hear so much about?
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WCU
Jan 15, 2024 17:10:04 GMT -5
SU DOG likes this
Post by Cujo on Jan 15, 2024 17:10:04 GMT -5
yuck. Godforsaken icy mess. It isn't natural. This does give new meaning to a team coming out cold.
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WCU
Jan 15, 2024 19:13:21 GMT -5
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Post by Cujo on Jan 15, 2024 19:13:21 GMT -5
Shouldn’t the team know if they are going to be able to make it?
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WCU
Jan 15, 2024 19:56:29 GMT -5
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Post by drew0311 on Jan 15, 2024 19:56:29 GMT -5
As for the weather, I just hope this game is not postponed. I would not be surprised though if it is. I have heard that the northern half of Alabama has already gotten lots of snow (snow angels being made in Florence) and there is an ice warning for all of central Alabama. Schools in my county are closed tomorrow. Where is that Global Warming, we hear so much about? Haha. So funny that a little snow could postpone the game. We have had 22 inches and negative 40 wind chills and Iowa State still played Oklahoma State in Ames. Just have Nate drive our bus. He knows how to drive in snow
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