WCC Game Preview: Pacific vs. Portland
By James Pigott
Feb 27, 2014; Stockton, CA, USA; Pacific Tigers guard Andrew Bock (12) dribbles the ball against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half at Alex G. Spanos Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Pacific Tigers (14-13, 5-11) vs. Portland Pilots (15-14, 7-10)
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2014
Location: Spanos Center, Stockton, CA
Time: 3:00 PM PST
TV: None
Video: theW.tv
LiveStats: http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statmonitr.php?gid=pac
This Season: Portland won the first matchup 72-64 at the Chiles Center.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Pacific (subject to change)
Sama Taku, 10.9 PPG
Andrew Bock, 11.4 PPG, 2.9 APG
Trevin Harris, 7.1 PPG
Khalil Kelley, 6.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG
Tim Thomas, 2.5 PPG
Portland
David Carr, 2.0 PPG
Bobby Sharp, 8.2 PPG
Bryce Pressley, 8.6 PPG, 3.4 APG
Ryan Nicholas, 13.0 PPG, 8.9 RPG
Thomas van der Mars, 13.2 PPG, 7.1 RPG
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Keys to the Game
Pacific
Utilize depth against short-handed Pilots: Pacific can go 11 or 12 players deep, while Portland is missing two starters. If the Tigers can rotate guys in and out and keep bodies fresh, they can outwork and tire out the Pilots and claim a victory in their home finale.
Portland
Interior production: This is where Portland with two starting guards (Kevin Bailey and Alec Wintering) out due to injury. Both Nicholas and van der Mars have been playing well as of late and they will need to continue to do so if the Pilots want to win this game on the road.
Key Matchup
Andrew Bock vs. Bryce Pressley: Both players will be the primary ball handlers for their team, and both will be looking to score and distribute the capable big men on their team. Whoever can limit turnovers and shoot well from the field will help their team win the game.
Prediction
Portland has suffered since being plagued by injury, while Pacific will look to avenge a bad loss against Gonzaga. Pacific will come out on top. Pacific 71, Portland 61.