Sun Belt Roundball Roundup 1/19/14 – 1/26/14
Courtesy of USA Today
Once again another week has been provided to us with awesome college basketball. Let’s get down to business and recap everything the Sun Belt had to offer!
First up on the list is red hot Georgia State visiting the Ragin Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette. The battle went down Thursday night and the Cajuns gave the top standing Panthers everything they could handle! Rounding out the first half, ULL led GSU by five, but despite the lead, the Panthers would muster a comeback and gain a six point lead with 12:30 to play. Don’t count the Ragin Cajuns out just yet though, as they would fight their own way back and tie things up at 62 with 2:30 left. Despite the comeback, the Panthers would seal the deal as they would run away with the win, 77-70. Once again guard play was what essentially won the game for Georgia State, as both R.J. Hunter and Ryan Harrow combined for 50 of the Panthers’ 77 points. Also to note the Georgia State shot yet again another high percentage from behind the arc, as they ended the night shooting 57% from downtown. As for ULL, their dynamic duo of Elfrid Payton and Shawn Long continued to shine, and truly helped the Cajuns have a shot at the victory. I don’t think ULL is a truly complete top of the SBC team, but they sure made more of a favored impression in my book with just a seven point loss to an unblemished conference opponent.
Next saw Arkansas-Little Rock visit in-state rival Arkansas State. However, as rivalries go, this one wouldn’t fit the usual story. This game featured a blowout from the get-go. The Red Wolves would hold a firm fourteen point lead at the half, and they wouldn’t relent for the second twenty, dismantling the Trojans in a wire-to-wire 77 to 49 win. The Red Wolves shut down the UALR offense, limiting them to just 24% shooting from the field. Arkansas State would also eliminate senior Trojan standout Will Neighbour, who averages 17.2 PPG. Neighbour would end the game with one lowly point, and would finish 0-12 from the field, but did contribute…4 boards. The Red Wolves would shoot more of an average night, but sometimes average stats can still create outstanding wins. I didn’t have much confidence in UALR to begin with, however I had to credit them some for the OT against WKU. But this loss once again leaves thoughts that this Trojan team just isn’t a top SBC team, and possibly caught the Tops at the right time. If that game happens again, it’s a regulation W for Western.
Speaking of Western Kentucky, the final game we will talk about was when they went on the road to take on, once again, Louisiana-Lafayette. This game would feature a well fought game by both sides, although the Cajuns lead for most of the first half, the Hilltoppers would slide in late to close the half with a WKU lead of 37 to 32. The Tops would hold lead into the closing minutes of the game, and once again the trend of not being able to close out games would look to continue as the Cajuns erase a 16 point deficit down to just two. Despite the trend, the Tops would actually be able to close this one out, finishing off ULL with a score of 79 to 70. The Ragin Cajuns played their average game, however the Hilltoppers played a quite different ball game despite the usual hard time closing out. WKU shot 49% from the floor and if you can actually believe it… the Tops shot 24 of 27 from the free throw line… 89%! Yes for WKU that is an astounding number! George Fant for the Tops continued his dominating performances of late as he shot for 25 points combined with 6 boards to add on the night. The Hilltoppers win gives them a three game win streak, while ULL drops a second straight loss at home. I’m still convinced ULL is just an average team, while WKU has the caliber of a squad to be lethal at any point in time, as long as they remain consistent.
So that does it for the week that was, now lets move on to the key matchups that this week has to offer. (All game start times are CT.)
First game I look to be interesting is the battle of the averages, at least, that’s what I’ll be calling it, as Louisiana-Lafayette hit the road to take on Arkansas-Little Rock. The mid SBC teams collide in what will be an exciting game and a statement game over the other. Tip-off is set for Thursday at 7PM.
The Rajin Cajuns will find themselves in the Sun Belt spotlight once again, as they play host to in-state Louisiana-Monroe in the battle of the Pelican State. Both teams enter this week with four losses and don’t want to drop a fifth. This game always features bragging rights and will sure to be a classic rivalry game! The action tips at 7:15 PM Saturday evening.
Those are the two main ones to watch, however, keep an eye on the winning streak, as Georgia State looks to remain unblemished in SBC play as well as extend said streak to 12! The Panther match-ups are Thursday at 6PM verses South Alabama and Saturday at 7:30PM against Texas-Arlington. Be sure to keep your eye out on those scores.
Well folks thats all we have for now. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back tomorrow for the updated Power Rankings. Once again, stay classy, Sun Belt Conference.