Previewing Pacific at Saint Mary’s
By Simon Tryzna
Early season rematch awaits Pacific and Saint Mary’s (courtesy of yours truly).
Pacific Tigers (1-4, 10-6) at Saint Mary’s Gaels (3-2, 13-5)
Date: Saturday, January 18th
Location: McKeon Pavilion, Moraga, Calif.
Time: 5:00 PM PST
TV: None
Video: thew.tv
LiveStats: http://www.smcgaels.com/liveStats/liveStats.dbml?SPID=12536&DB_OEM_ID=21400&LIST_SPORT_KEY=M_BASKETBALL
Last Season: Saint Mary’s lost to Pacific at the DirectTV classic, but took revenge and routed the Tigers at McKeon Pavilion later in the season.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Saint Mary’s
Stephen Holt
James Walker III
Pacific
LIVESTREAM *Video brought to you by thew.tv
Instead of a generic preview, we decided to mix things up here at West Coast Convo. Rather than Josh or George tell you the obvious, I thought it would be interesting to chat with our lead editor about the game. We will slowly implement this template for future articles to get a more opinions in posts.
ST: Pacific has one win. SMC has 2 losses. Initial thoughts on the game.
JH: This is essentially a must win for the Tigers. After beating Santa Clara on Saturday, Pacific has a little bit of momentum and can use that to its advantage. However, the Gaels are always tough to beat at McKeon Pavilion and they have some momentum their selves with a recent win over USF.
ST: I think this game will be very telling. BYU, and GU picked up huge road wins on Thursday, so the Gaels need to keep pace. SMC will be well-rested, have Bennett back and will be playing in a full house against a team they dominated earlier. Every home game, and even every road game is a must win for SMC in order to return to the Big Dance.
JH: What worries you most about the Pacific Tigers?
ST: A bunch of seniors catching fire and making 67% from 3 a la Santa Clara. I am curious to see how SMC plays. I wouldn’t be shocked to see an improved defense tomorrow after a week off. Could be a low scoring game. I would like to see Pacific held under 50 points.
What do you make of Pacific’s slow start?
JH: The Tigers are just struggling to adjust to the WCC. It’s pretty clear that Pacific does not play a game that would adapt well to the WCC. It’s a testament to how good the WCC is if last years Big West Champion that returned many seniors are in last place in the conference.
However, I do think Pacific can play better and get above .500, because they have the talent. But with the hole they have dug, it will be a challenge.
ST: Key matchup for this game that you are looking at:
JH: Andrew Bock versus Stephen Holt. Both have been chomping at the bit for their opportunity to man the helm. However; I think Bock performance is more important to Pacific’s success than Holts is to Saint Mary’s.
ST: I’m looking at big picture: seniors v seniors. Holt finally looked himself against USF. Beau has been having a good year. Who wants it more kind of game. Prediction?
JH:While Pacific is playing better, Saint Mary’s is the superior team, and they are also playing at home. Saint Mary’s wins 75-64.
ST: Saint Mary’s runs away with it, 65-49.