In a way, it is good that the Friars only have 72 hours to lick their wounds after the loss to Nebraska. It leaves little time to sit and reflect on falling short at Mohegan. The season is a long one, and the Friars can put that game in the rear view (while still learning from the game). The Bryant Bulldogs give them a chance to get right ahead of the home tilt against Colorado.
Bryant Overview
1-2 on Season, win against Siena and loss to Fairfield and Quinnipiac
321 on KenPom
Averaging 65 points per game, 15.3 turnovers per game, and 25.7% from 3
Keegan Harvey 6th year player & their leading scorer at 15, 8, and 2 blocks. The 6’11 big will pose a threat to Friar frontcourt.
Familiar name from USF Onyx Nnani (a developmental guy I wanted on Friars roster) is second leading scorer at 11 points and 4 rebounds. 6’9 redshirt freshman big will be a versatile threat at the 4/5.
Health of Page
Will Arrinten play against Bryant or will Hodgson sit him out to give him a few extra days to rest like he did with Vanterpool against Maine? My gut tells me the wise move is to rest Page against Bryant and give all the minutes to the trio of Bannarbie, Aletan, and Saunders (in that order) at the 5. Those three should more than handle their own in the frontcourt.
Offense Finding a Groove
We don’t need to re-open the wound that was the offensive showing against Nebraska. We know it was a struggle.
The shooting numbers were average at best against Maine too, however, and I’d like to see the Friars have their most efficient offensive game of the season against Bryant.
You see the blueprint for what Hodgson wants to run, and I’d like to see that game plan come to fruition against the Bulldogs. A 50/40 split from the floor and three, respectively, would be a welcome sight to Friar fans.
Defense is a Constant
If the Friars can display the same level of defensive intensity that they’ve shown in the first two games of the season, I’ll be even more bullish on this squad.
It is easy to play with that level of compete in a season opener at home and against a marquee opponent in Nebraska. If the team can play defense to that same level against a down Bryant squad in a stadium that presumably won’t have the same juice or energy as the first two games, it’ll show me Hodgson’s culture has been already instilled into the players.
Get Sabol Going
Ryan was brought in to be the offensive spark plug who can shift the tide of a game with a barrage of 3’s at any given point. Two games in, Sabol has fallen short of expectations, and I think this is the perfect game for Hodgson to force the issue to get Sabol on track.
Get him 4-5 three ball looks off designed plays in the half court set to get his confidence going.
Prediction
BOC: Friars bounce back with authority, winning 90-63.
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