Sun Belt Roundball Roundup (2/16/14 – 2/22/14)
Well folks it is that time of the week as we close out and recap another action packed week of SBC basketball! Sorry we didn’t have an article out for the roundup last week, classes have began and all of us here at WTRT have been super busy. But nonetheless we are back at it this we, so let’s get started!
The three games I want to highlight all went down Saturday, and boy did we have some match ups! First up on the list we have UT-Arlington visiting Arkansas-Little Rock. UTA has been back and forth here recently, but they were able to go in and steal one against the falling Trojans. The two teams had an even game, but it looks like the free throw category is what lifted the Mavericks above UALR. The Trojans committed 24 personal fouls which sent the Mavs to the line where they shot 23 of 32 (72%). Other than that the stat sheet looks very similar. The final score ended up being UTA 75 – UALR 71. The top performers for each squad was Maverick Brandon Edwards (17 Pts, 9 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Blk) and coming off the bench Trojan Josh Hagins (21 Pts, 6 Reb, 5 Ast, 1 Blk). UTA sits in 5th place in SBC standings with UALR right behind in 6th.
Next up is Louisiana-Monroe traveling to Bowling Green to take on Western Kentucky. This one as far as gameplay goes wasn’t even close from the start. If you look at the stats and play by play recap you would disagree with me, but despite the Warhawks keeping the Tops fairly close, it truly wasn’t a game. WKU topped the ULM with a score of 72 – 63. The category that I think really set this game apart was the rebounding of the Tops. WKU had 15 more rebounds that ULM, and also had 15 offensive rebounds to the Warhawks 4. The Hilltoppers were just motivated from the get-go after the loss to South Alabama and looked motivated to finish the season out strong. The top performers was Warkawk Tylor Ongwae (19 Pts, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl) and Hilltopper Trency Jackson (25 Pts, 3 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl). WKU rests steady in 2nd in the Sun Belt while ULM is toward the bottom at the 7th notch.
Lastly is one that had a heavy impact on the top of the SBC standings as red hot Louisiana-Lafayette came storming into Georgia State looking to dethrone the fierce panthers. ULL came into this one with a 6 game win streak but would they leave that way? Once again this game’s stat sheet is like the previous two games…both teams were similar. ULL dominated the first half and had a very strong coming out, however the first minutes of the second half would see the Panthers mounting a comeback. Once they accomplished the comeback they would hold the lead for the remainder for the game. The Cajuns would try to comeback themselves but would run out of time as they fall 77 – 80 ending their win streak. The Top performers from this contest would include Panther Ryan Harrow (18 Pts, 5 Reb, 7 Ast, 2 Stl) and Ragin Cajun Shawn Long (22 Pts, 8 Reb, 1 Blk). Georgia State still sits atop the throne of standings while ULL falls to 4th statistically wise, but folks I still think the Cajun squad is the 2nd best team in the SBC and come tournament time I think many people will realize that.
A lot of went action went down last week, and more will go down this week. Let’s now take a look ahead to see the key games this week!
First up is Georgia visiting the lone star state and Texas-Arlington. Will the guard play of the Panthers reign supreme, or will the physicality of the Maverick squad prove too much to handle for GSU? Find out this Thursday at 7:30!
Next is the bragging rights for the state of Arkansas as A-State and UALR meet up one last time for this season in Little-Rock! The first go-around featured the Red Wolves man handling the Trojans by a score of 28. Will this game feature the same play or will things be closer? Be sure to find out Saturday at 7 PM sharp!
Last is Western Kentucky giving the Mavericks a visit of their own! These two squads played ground and pound ball last match up as tempers flared. Statements will be made and fates in SBC tournament seeding will begin to be decided as this season is coming to a close. Make sure and to catch this intense hardwood battle! Things tip Saturday at 7:30!
Well folks that is all we have for you this week, so be sure to stop by WTRT for all of your other SBC and Hilltopper needs! Also check out the #RisingSun Power Rankings coming out tomorrow! Until next time, have a good one SBC!