Ahh can’t you smell that in the air? No, it is not the cafe smell spreading through to Lawerence Hall Lobby, but it is playoff basketball right around the corner. Now, I must state, I am in a bit of a rush to catch that basketball bus that will take all of us to Amhurst, NY for the game today, so excuse typos and such (did not want to write this on my iPhone). The women are more than alive in the AMC playoff race, and a win today will put a BIG statement onto their resume to be worthy of making the playoffs. When you look at the Pioneers resume it is not impressive on the basis of who they have beat. Zero wins over the top 5 teams in the conference. They have beat who they are supposed to, and for the most part, hung in against the teams they should. A win tonight will give the Pioneers a much needed resume win in case the last couple playoff spots come into a tiebreaker system. PPU has historically played well at Daemen, even though it is a tough place to play, and that Daemen is usually in the playoff race. Sarah Soroka is the Wildcats go to player, a player that can dominate on the inside, and then go outside and put a three in your face. Daemen will play through her, but they are not a one-trick pony. Marybeth Nugent and Bridgette Burke are also players to look out for tonight.
Keys of the Game: PPU: 1. Inside out: Feed the bigs the basketball, let them establish a presence, and then the outside will open up and that is where you are at your best. It is of the up most importance to see Jones, Peterkin, Reinhard, or Roddy to get some touches on the inside.
2. Limit 2nd chance oppurtunities: You have to rebound, you can not give a good team like Daemen multiple chances to get points. That goes right back to the before mentioned forwards to do their job on the inside.
Daemen: 1. Shoot em out: At home, Daemen shoots the ball well historically. If they get going, you should just start the bus and get ready to take the four hour ride back home. If the Wildcats get started early, they will win.
2. Transition Offense: The Pioneers have fixed this for now, but I think if Daemen can exploit this, they should have an easy time getting open looks from the outside which will help out key number one.
Stat of the Night: The Pioneers have forced at least 20 turnovers per game in their last three games.
Men: Sad to say but the Men are unable to make the playoffs this season. This is not a normal thing for the Pioneer men, on most years they are a danger in the AMC Conference. But all is not lost. This is the time where you have to see what you got for next season. Players like Devon Alexander, Donte Anglin, Josh Trocchio, Dave Menzies. See what you have in these guys so you know what you need to go and get in the offseason. When Daemen and PPU meet, it is always fun, this one will be too.
Keys to the Game: PPU: 1. Shoot well from distance: I seem like I sound like a broken record but the Pioneers strenghth with both teams is the outside game. If they can get Joel Cashatt, Josh Trocchio and TJ Heatherington going, it can be scary.
2. Take care of the ball: When PPU has a good assist to turnover ratio, they win, when they don’t, they lose. Basketball is such a simple game.
Daemen: 1. Focus: Daemen is playing for a playoff spot here down the stretch. They need to focus and take care of business tonight, or they could be on the outside looking in on the playoffs.
2. Get Maisto going: If Mike Maisto can shoot the ball well tonight, watch out for the Wildcats making this a laugher. The Pioneers have struggled defending the perimeter this season, and this is good news for Maisto.
Stat of the Night: Daemen has 4 players in double-figures in scoring
Well, hope you all enjoy the day, I have to go catch a bus, don’t forget to listen to all the action LIVE tonight on the MSA Sports Network at www.msasports.net. Myself and Kevin Calhoun have the women, and myself and Aaron Cooney the men!
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