This looks like one of the old-style Steve Shields teams: defense is king. And I have no doubt at all that after their gusty win at Georgia State the players have bought into his system. if they had any doubts before.
They are 8-4, with two of their wins being over on-D1 teams. They got pounded by Texas, but a lot of teams can say that this year.
They probably will start a front line of 6-8, 6-7, 6-4, and have 6-11 and 6-8 on the bench. Emani Gant is their main scorer (13.7) and the only player in double figures. However, they have four more in the 7-9 point range, so they are balanced. They are essentially even in rebounding.
Their main claim to fame, however, is their defense. They hold opponents to 39.9% overall and 30.5% from the arc. They held Georgia State’s R. J. Hunter to 3 of 16 shooting and 0-10 from the arc. GSU as a team shot 13% from the arc. So, it looks like they are prepared to go head-to-head with our 3-point shooters without any fear. Plus, they forced GSU into an uncharacteristic 17 turnovers.
Danny Kaspar came in as a highly-recommended coach, and the Belt is beginning to find out why. Playing them at their place I don’t hold out much hope for the 0-3 Trojans. But, who knows?
RealtimeRPI has Texas State by 13.
Sagarin has them by 12.
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