CIT 2nd Round Preview: Pacific vs. Texas A&M-CC
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 (15-15, 6-12 WCC) vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders (18-15, 14-4 Southland)
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2014
Location: Spanos Center, Stockton, CA
Time: 6:00 PM PT
TV: None
Livestream: http://www.watchcollegeinsider.com/liveEvents/liveEvents.dbml?db_oem_id=29600
PROJECTED STARTERS
Pacific
Andrew Bock, 11.2 PPG, 2.9 APG
Sama Taku, 11.1 PPG
Ross Rivera 8.2 PPG
Khalil Kelley, 5.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG
Tony Gill, 11.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG
Texas A&M-CC
John Jordan, 14.5 PPG, 5.3 APG, 4.6 RPG
Hameed Ali, 8.1 PPG
Brandon Pye 5.8 PPG
Jeff Beverly, 7.8 PPG
Zane Knowles, 6.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG
Meet the Teams
Pacific had an exciting game against Grand Canyon, coming back from a 15 point deficit to defeat the Antelopes 69-67. It was one of the rare games lately where both Andrew Bock and Sama Taku played well at the same time. Pacific had their ups and downs adjusting to a stronger West Coast Conference after coming from the Big West. Still, their strong performance in the non-conference season and high RPI allowed them to be playing postseason basketball, which is great for their many seniors to extend their career.
After finishing in second place in the Southland Conference behind unbelievable Stephen F. Austin, who went 31-2 and 18-0 in the league, the Islanders lost to Sam Houston State (who is playing San Diego in the second round of the CIT) in the semifinals of the conference tournament. Led by point guard John Jordan, the Islanders will look to build on their conference success in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament after defeating Northern Colorado in the first round.
Keys to the Game for Pacific
Bench production: One reason the Tigers had so much difficulty with Grand Canyon was the lack of contribution from anyone on the bench. Aaron Short, who shoots over 50% from beyond the arc, was 0/3 last game and the Tigers will need production from Short and bench players in order to beat Texas A&M-CC, especially if Trevin Harris (arm) and T.J. Wallace (leg) are still unavailable due to injury.
Bock and Taku: With such a thin backcourt due to the injuries of Harris and Wallace, Bock and Taku need to play well because there aren’t many other options if they aren’t. Their strong play was the main reason the Tigers were able to come back against Grand Canyon and it will be needed again.
Prediction
Playing at home coming off the momentum a fantastic victory over Grand Canyon, Pacific will come ready to play, and their depth and variety of frontcourt options led by Tony Gill will be too much for the Islanders to handle. Pacific 68, Texas A&M-CC 62.