Pacific Looks to Bounce Back Vs. Bradley
By Josh Horton
Nov 22, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Bradley Braves guard Walt Lemon, Jr. (25) passes the ball around Arizona State Sun Devils forward Eric Jacobsen (21) during the first half at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Pacific vs. Bradley (South Point Holiday Hoops Classic)
Game Time: 5:30 p.m. PST (roughly)
TV: None
LiveStream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/holiday-hoops-classic-2013
Radio: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/uop.portal#
LiveStats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/stours/mbball3/
Team Records: Pac – 8-2 – BU – 5-6
Leading Scorers: Pac – Bock 12.1 –BU – Lemon Jr.
Leading Rebounders: Pac – Kelley 5.5 – BU – Pickett 6.9
Leading Distributors: Pac – Bock 2.4 – BU – Lemon Jr. 4.0
Project Starters:
Pacific
Andrew Bock
Sama Taku
Trevin Harris
Tony Gill
Khalil Kelley
Bradley
Omari Greer
Walt Lemon Jr.
Tyshon Pickett
Auston Barnes
Chris Blake
In the wake of a poor performance against Princeton, where Pacific was routed by a score of 83-58, the Tigers take on the Bradley Braves the following day.
Bradley took on the Portland Pilots in its first game of the South Point Holiday Hoops Classic, and had just as much luck as Pacific did. The Braves were beaten by a score of 74-53 and only shot 35.6% from the field. Bradley turned the ball over 17 times and was outrebounded by the Pilots 35-27.
The Opponent
AP Poll: NR
Coaches Poll: NR
RPI: 216
KenPom: 232
After a 4-0 start, the Braves have had a tough go in the latter half of the non-conference slate. In the last 36 days, Bradley only has one victory, which came against (4-9) Texas-Pan American.
The Braves are led primarily by Walt Lemon Jr., who averages 16.1 points and 4.0 assists (both team highs). Lemon Jr. generates most of Bradley’s offense whether it’s by scoring or distributing the ball.
After Lemon Jr., the Braves get solid production from Tyshon Pickett and Omari Greir. Pickett is averaging 13.9 points this season, and leads the Braves with 6.9 rebounds per game. Grier chips in 13.0 per game on average, and shoots a staggering 92.5 percent from the free throw line.
Keys to the Game
Don’t let Princeton beat you twice
Pacific was straight up annihilated by Princeton. Those type of losses happen to even the best teams. However, how the Tigers respond will be a better judge of their mental fortitude as a team. If Pacific comes out flat against Bradley tonight, things do not bode well for Pacific in the rest of the season.
Get Taku going again
After averaging 16.3 points in the first four games of the season, Sama Taku has only posted double-digit points in 2 out of the Tigers last 6 games. As the Tigers most complete player, it is imperative that he plays a little bit better down the stretch.
Prediction
I am a believer in this Pacific team. They are filled with seniors that have a great deal of experience. The Tigers rebound nicely and takedown Bradley.
Pacific 70, Bradley 62