The Friars (5-3) are reeling. After a trip to Atlantis that found the team come up empty in the win column, they now return home to try to respond against a tough opponent. BYU (6-1) will make the trip to Providence for a 8:30pm tip against the Friars Tuesday night. When the Cougars visit the AMP, it will probably be the Friars last opportunity in the non-conference to secure a good resume win. The Cougars are a high powered offense averaging 87.4 ppg thus far on the year. The Friars will have their hands full in what is maybe as close to a must win game in December you can find.
Slowing Down Demin– Freshman Egor Demin leads the Cougars attack. The 6-9 point guard from Russia is averaging 14 ppg and 6 assists per contest. He is receiving rave reviews from pro scouts and is projected to be a top-5 pick in next year’s NBA Draft. This, however, will be his first game at a raucous opponent’s venue. Granted playing overseas can put you in front of hostile crowds, but perhaps the environment impacts his play. The Friars by sending multiple bodies at him can potentially slow him down.
Playing a Track Meet– Given the Friars offensive performances at the Battle4Atlantis, getting into a track meet with BYU doesn’t sound like the best idea. However this Cougar team has a tendency to give up some points. They’ve given up at least 80 twice this season including giving up 96 points in an overtime loss to Ole Miss. While they have size, they may not have the quickness to stay in front of Joseph, Pierre and Cardet. The Friars are going to need these three scoring the basketball.
Hopkins Return?– While it was anticipated that Bryce Hopkins would return for the Friars in the Battle4Atlantis that never came to be. Considering the Friars are now back stateside needing a win they could really use Bryce Hopkins. Even if he is on a minute restriction, he can make a positive impact and at the very least juice up the home court advantage even more.
Offensive Tweaks – Will it be more of the same or will we see offensive adjustments? I’ll be closely watching the offensive sets to see if anything was learned from Atlantis.
Rotation Changes – See point above. Do the rotations and playing time shift based off the subpar results from Atlantis?
Home Crowd – This is the first true road game for BYU, and I’m cautiously optimistic that the fanbase will be loud and raucous enough to influence the outcome of the game.
What Providence cannot do is start slow and try to claw back into this one. PC cannot allow another Oklahoma or Davidson, as it will not only take the crowd out of the game entirely, but may cause the already testy crowd to turn its frustrations towards the team.
Predictions
Crier– BYU certainly has the firepower to go into the AMP and walk out with a win. However, I feel like the Friars will respond in these circumstances. Despite the poor showing in the MTE they did have some good moments. I feel like the Friars come out hot in this one and end up with a 82-76 victory.
BOC – My prediction hinges entirely on Hopkins playing. If he plays, I think his return and the home crowd will the Friars to a close victory. If he sits, BYU wins this one easily.
I agree 100 percent with BOC. I disagree with Crier. Have read other analyses on this game which is why I agree with BOC. Of course I would be thrilled with a badly needed Friar win.
Go Friars!