Pacific Game Preview: Tigers vs. Western Illinois
By Josh Horton
Dec 10, 2011; San Francisco CA, USA; Pacific Tigers forward Ross Rivera (20) defends against the San Francisco Dons during the second half at War Memorial Gym. San Francisco defeated Pacific 79-69. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports
Pacific vs. Western Illinois
Gametime: 2:00 p.m. PST
LiveStream: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/uop.portal?mode=link&eventId=118188&broadcastType=video
Radio: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/uop.portal?mode=link&eventId=118188&broadcastType=audio
Team Records: Pac – 2-0 – WIU – 0-2
Leading Scorers: Pac – Rivera 17.5 – WIU – Covington 13.5
Leading Rebounders: Pac – Taku 6.0 – WIU – Link 7.5
Leading Distributors: Pac – Bock 3.0 – WIU – Link and Sandifer 3.0
Projected Starters: Pac – Bock, Taku, Harris, Gill, Kelley – WIU – Covington, Link, Stensgaard, Roberts-Burnett, Sandifer
Pacific has played two very close games to start the season, which the Tigers narrowly won. Although the Cardiac Cats have been exciting to watch thus far, Pacific is hoping that this game will not be nearly as close.
The Opponent
The Leathernecks are led primarily by Garret Covington and Adam Link. Covington is Western Illinois leading scorer with 13.5 points per game, but takes a lot of shots and doesn’t have the best field goal percentage (.348). Adam Link was a preseason second-team All-Summit league selection this year, but hasn’t quite had the impact on the offensive end this season. Link is still the teams leading rebounder with 7.5 RPG.
Western Illinois was picked to finish 4th in the Summit league this season.
Keys to the Game
Control the Boards
The Leathernecks do not have a ton of size, and this is something the Tigers can take advantage of this afternoon. Expect Tony Gill, Ross Rivera, and Khalil Kelley to have a field day on the boards.
Defend the Three
Western Illinois has shot poorly from three this season so far (6 of 30). What’s the best way to get out of a slump? Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more.