St. Louis is the last team standing without a blemish on its conference record. Four teams are deadlocked at 4-1, and Atlantic 10 men’s basketball is just getting warmed up.
A few quick shots from last week’s action:
Rhody defense
UD’s Flyers entered play Saturday leading the league hitting 42.7 percent behind the arc. URI was second in the conference and ninth in the country holding teams to 28.3 percent from long range. After holding the Flyers to 3-of-14 the Rams now lead the A-10 and are seventh in the nation in 3-point defense at 27.9 percent. URI is 2-1 in league play at the Ryan Center with their only loss coming to the previously mentioned Billikens, 59-58. Unfortunately, the Rams play three of their next four on the road.
Richmond can defend at any tempo
Taking two conference games in a week in and of itself is impressive. Having that happen against two teams who were a combined 29-6? Better still. Defeating two teams as opposite in their approaches as UMass and St. Joseph’s? That’s reason to take notice. Chris Mooney’s Richmond Spiders are known for frustrating opposing teams with their matchup zone. UR proved last week that their defense can dictate pace. UMass scores more 78 points a game and leads the A-10 with 74 possessions per 40 minutes. St. Joseph’s scores under 73 a game with less than 68 possessions (12th in the A-10). With Chaz Williams leading the way, the Minutemen looked to break down opposing defenses off the dribble. St. Joe’s looks move the ball with the pass. Both succumbed to the Spiders – UMass by three (58-55) and SJU by 15 (77-62). Spiders travel to St. Louis on Wednesday.
Don’t sleep on VCU
Everything set up the wrong way for VCU’s Rams over the weekend. Going on the road to play a La Salle team coming off its first loss in a month. Not to mention the Explorers have as many guards as Buckingham Palace which should have neutralized VCU’s press. All that against them and the Rams came out with an impressive win in double-overtime. Shaka Smart also found a key offensive component: Treveon Graham taking the ball to the cup late in the shot clock. You can plan all you want. Sometimes, you just need guys to make basketball plays. That’s what Graham did late in Saturday’s game. VCU hosts Fordham and Richmond this week.
GW adjusting to life without Savage
George Washington’s Colonials took a hit last week when it was announced Kethan Savage will miss several weeks with a foot fracture. Savage scored more than 13 a game and led GW with two steals a game. Mike Lonergan and the Colonials got a little breather with an off day on Wednesday, but they catch La Salle this Wednesday before traveling to Dayton on the weekend.
Video highlight of the week
Stats courtesy of Basketball State.
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