Sun Belt Roundball Roundup 2/2/14 – 2/8/14
Another week goes by and another week features much of the same story for the same teams. Let’s jump right into things with this weeks issue of the Roundball Roundup!
The first key game I would like to talk about is the untamed Panthers of Georgia State heading to Arkansas-Little Rock. The Panthers would play the way we’ve seen all season, as they maintained a lead for most of the game and would run away late securing a 68-57 win. GSU would, as usual, rely heavily on their guards to provide most of the offensive power. The three Panther guards would put up 49 of their 68 points. UALR would provide three double-digit scorers themselves, with two of those scorers finding 11 apiece. The Panthers will keep rolling with this win upping their streak to 14.
Next up, the Ragin Cajuns traveled to take on the physical Mavericks. This one,like some many others we have seen from these two teams was a high…and I mean high….scoring contest that ended in regulation, which I emphasize because most of the time, regulation college games won’t feature this high of score. Both teams shot solidly from the floor, as UTA shot 48% and ULL had a 51% mark. The clock would strike quadruple-zero with the Cajuns on top 92-89. Although he didn’t get the win, my MVP for this matchup was Maverick Lonnie McClanahan, who went for 31 points and 11 rebounds. The win for Louisiana-Lafayette pushed them to the .500 mark in Sun Belt play, and just two days later would get bumped above .500 with a win over Texas State. As for the Mavericks they fell to 4-6, but I remain consistent with my statement of saying that this team’s record doesn’t justify how scary of an opponent they truly are.
Last game I want to highlight is Western Kentucky wrapping up their road trip at Arkansas-Little Rock. This game was one I was sure glad I got to see. The two teams kept it close through the first 32 minutes, but a 15-0 run would lift the Trojans to a commanding lead with eight minutes to play. The Tops, who had held the lead for most of the game, wouldn’t go down easy, as they battled their way back to a one possession deficit within the final minute. Here comes the even more exciting part – 3.1 seconds to go, Trency Jackson for WKU took the ball the length of the court to throw up a desperation three to win the ball game… AND IT SINKS IN! The highlight play would be good enough to make it to #4 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays for the night. The final score would be the Tops taking the victory 79-78 over the Trojans. The win continues WKU’s win streak to 6.
That does it for the recap of action, now for the upcoming games that can make an impact on the SBC standings, and ones you should tune in to watch!
First game you should keep an eye on is WKU taking on A-State in Jonesboro tonight. Their last matchup had to be decided in double-OT, and tonight will feature the same intense and close play. The Tops want to keep their win streak alive, while the Red Wolves want another quality win and to rise higher in the SBC standings. The action all tips tonight at 7:05!
Next up is the Trojans of UALR at Louisiana-Lafayette. They come into this game with relatively even record in conference play and both want to make a statement in order to stay towards the top of the standings. These teams are evenly matched and look to provide a great matchup! Things go down Thursday at 7:05.
Third is Arkansas State visiting the Ragin Cajuns. This matchup is both of these teams second key game this week, so this week is a huge week for them. I look for this matchup to be high scoring as both squads love putting up high numbers. Look for this one to be your high scoring close battle, and if you like offense this is your game to watch. The contest starts at 4:15 Saturday!
Well folks that is all that we have for you today! Stop back by tomorrow for the Power Rankings. Until then, Stay Classy, #FunBelt!