By PAUL GOTHAM
Phil Martelli knows the value of a win. He also understands extenuating circumstances can affect outcomes.
Saint Joseph’s head coach didn’t waste any time Monday morning discussing his team’s win over over then No. 13/15 Dayton last Wednesday and the impact of Kendall Pollard‘s absence on the Flyers lineup.
“Before anybody leaves the ship on Dayton,” Martelli said during the Atlantic 10’s weekly tele-conference. “Let’s recognize the fact that they’re playing without Pollard who is one of the fiercest playing guys, who kinda sets the tone for them. Despite the great play from (Charles) Cooke and (Dyshawn) Pierre, Pollard is a real linchpin for them.”
Pollard has sat out the last three games. The Flyers currently rank 34th in the nation holding opposing teams to 65.2 points a game. That number jumped by one last week as UD surrendered 79 points in both games – losses to the Hawks and St. Bonaventure Bonnies.
“The national media will ignore them this week I would assume, and that’s a shame because they are missing a big piece,” Martelli added. “If it was a Power 5 team, that’s all anybody would talk about.”
Dayton, with a rebound margin of +5.5, came out on the wrong side of the battle on the boards during both games last week. Pollard grabs five caroms a game. More importantly, opponents have to concern themselves with the 6-6 junior forward on box out assignments. Without him in the lineup, opposing rebounders can put more focus on Cooke and Pierre.
“Kendall’s not coming back any time soon from what I gather,” Dayton head coach Archie Miller said after Saturday’s loss to St. Bonaventure. “Right now we’re going to have to find a way to get better.”
Pollard scores 11 a game while handing out nearly two assists a game.
“Fifteen fouls and basically using up as much as we can. We’re not getting enough out of that spot right now from a production standpoint.”
Pollard is suffering from lingering pain as the result of a deep bone bruise.
Dayton (21-5/11-3) travels to Saint Louis to play the Billikens (10-16/5-9), Tuesday night. SLU has won their last two games. Dayton won their first matchup between the two teams, 73-37. An 8 p.m. tipoff is scheduled. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
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