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Staff Predictions: Week 6
By CCT Staff | January 10, 2009
College Chalktalk’s weekly edition of Staff Predictions heads into league play, just as Atlantic 10 teams will this weekend. St. Bonaventure and Duquesne are sitting at the top of the league along with Xavier, as the Bonnies and Dukes each sport impressive 10-4 records, and are 1-0 in league play; the two meet in Olean Saturday. For the first installment of Staff Predictions in A-10 play, our staff will have to choose between three tough matchups below.
As far as CCT’s Staff Standings are concerned, Ian Nolan currently sits atop the league with a sparkling record of 11-2. Christian Marge is not far off the pace however, sporting his own impressive record of 9-4. Andrew Greene sits at 8-5, while Chris DiSano, Jason Rhodes, Ray Floriani and Brendan Hames are all above .500 and within striking distance at 7-6.
This Week’s Games: Rhode Island @ Saint Joseph’s, Temple @ La Salle, and a Fast Break Pick of Duquesne @ St. Bonaventure
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Rhode Island @ Saint Joseph’s
Christian Marge: There’s no way to sugar coat it: the Hawks are one of the biggest disappointments in the A-10 coming out of the non-conference portion of the schedule. Nobody has stepped up to be that top flight partner to Ahmad Nivins. As of late, Tasheed Carr has played well, averaging 15.6 ppg over his last three contests, but the consistency to help Nivins out hasn’t been there on the offensive end of the floor. Against URI, someone will have to score because the Rams certainly will pile up the points. Rhody leads the league in scoring, averaging 81.7 ppg, a little over four more points-per-game than the second highest scoring team, Duquesne. The Hawks average just 65.5 ppg. This just appears to be a bad match-up for the Hawks. It will be difficult to shut down Rhody sharpshooter, Jimmy Baron, and even if they do, URI has several other players that are viable scoring options. Although the Hawks are at home, they have struggled, going just 2-3 at the Palestra. Look for Rhode Island to open up conference play with a win on the road.
Rhode Island 73, SAINT JOSEPH’S 68
Chris DiSano: The last time these two teams have played in Philly, they’ve split, so something has to give in this one at the Palestra. Rhode Island enters the game confident after completing a non-conference slate where they may have missed out on opportunities for signature wins but, importantly, emerged with no poor losses. While Rhody would like to push the pace here, this game will ultimately come down to rebounding. Saint Joseph’s simply isn’t shooting the basketball well enough to beat URI unless they create second chance opportunities. Unfortunately, Rhode Island is the third best defensive rebounding team in the conference, which does not bode well for the Hawks. SJU should keep this one close because they value the basketball (to borrow a quote from Jim Baron) and don’t generally beat themselves with turnovers. At the end of the day, however, Rhode Island’s depth wears down the Hawks on both ends and the Rams head north on I-95 feeling good about themselves.
Rhode Island 76, SAINT JOSEPH’S 69
Ray Floriani: Pace and defense are the keys for Phil Martelli’s club in this Palestra meeting. Jim Baron puts four double digit scorers on the floor. Hawks may opt for more a 60 possession pace. They have to locate Jimmy Baron and try to contain or prevent him from getting in a groove. Another problem is Baron’s unselfishness as he does a good looking for teammates. Naturally, Saint Joe’s could use a good performance by Ahmad Nivins down low as well as 40 minutes of defensive consistency.
Rhode Island 80, SAINT JOSEPH’S 76
Ian Nolan: Saint Joseph’s finds itself in truly unchartered territory sitting at 6-7 heading into league play. Rhode Island has been one of the best three teams in the league since opening night, and have come up just short against quality clubs like Oklahoma State and Duke on the road. This road game, will not be an easy one for the Rams, as Saint Joseph’s will look to take advantage of having a 0-0 record, after the poor start. Phil Martelli’s team will be ready to take advantage of a fresh start in league play.
Still, look for Rhody to roll in this one; they are going to be too deep and simply have too many weapons for Saint Joe’s to handle. The Hawks have received very little contribution from their bench this year, and aside from Ahmad Nivins and Govens they just don’t have anyone who scares opponents. The Rams are scoring over 80 points while the Hawks are scoring just over 65; simply not enough offense to keep up. Seawright will have a load on his hands down low as he tries to keep Nivins in check, but Cothran and Baron will be the difference in this one. Rhode Island is the best three point shooting team in the league and that statistic will lead them to their first road win in league play.
Rhode Island 77, SAINT JOSEPH’S 64
Andrew Greene: Rhode Island comes into this game hot. The Rams have won five of their last six games. They have been shooting the ball extremely well from the floor; over 50 % in two of their last three games. Saint Joe’s has dropped two of their last three games and are severely lacking offensive balance. They have gotten very little production from their bench, with those reserves scoring just ten points. Saint Joe’s has also been out-rebounded in each of their last three games. Rhody controls the boards and uses their bench to get an early conference road win.
Rhode Island 75, SAINT JOSEPH’S 66
Jason Rhodes: Rhode Island is the sexy pick in this one. They are shedding light on their dark-horse status and are ready to pop onto the national radar. They have the depth and firepower to make a solid run in this year’s A-10. On the other side, Phil Martelli’s gang has performed terribly this year, period. Martelli summed it up pretty well: “[u]nless we straighten it out, it’s going to be a long three months.” But this is conference play - in Philly - at the Palestra - with a quartet of veterans [Nivins (SR, F), Carr (SR, G), Williamson (JR, G), and Govens (JR, G)] understanding the new season is upon them. Let’s not forget Coach Martelli, who like John Chaney and his owl-like mug, seems to have taken on the look of a Hawk. His team will be ready. They lost to cross town rival, and Big East power, ‘Nova by three on the road roughly a month ago. Like that game, this game *really matters* — yes, Saint Joe’s is a program that falls into the ‘we’re better than them’ mentality,’ at times which costs them games — and they have three blown double-digit leads in the second half to show for it. But as with the ‘Nova game, emotions will be high. Despite Rhode Island’s great play to date, this one goes right down to the wire. Coin flip says….
SAINT. JOSEPH’S 74, Rhode Island 72
Brendan Hames: Rhody’s Kaheem Seawright will be the story of this game, as one of the most under appreciated stars of the A-10 will use his defensive prowess to neutralize Ahmad Nivins’ inside play for the Hawks. Also expect above-average scoring nights for Lamonte Ulmer and Delroy James as they both represent match-up problems at the forward position.
Rhode Island 83, SAINT JOSEPH’S 73
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Temple @ La Salle
Christian Marge: This will be a good barometer for both of these Philly teams. Temple came into the season with high hopes following their NCAA birth last year, but have been entirely inconsistent to date. La Salle was looking to build off a solid A-10 season last year, and so far, they have basically just treaded water, winning games they should, but not winning games against higher tier programs. For example, they are 0-5 against teams ranked RPI No.100 or better, and their best win is against RPI No. 164, Rider. Interestingly, Temple enters this game with a 6-6 record, but are RPI No. 24 due to playing the nation’s toughest schedule to date. As they say at the roulette table, stick with the trend. Look for Lavoy Allen to step up in this one and take a little pressure of Dionte Christmas. I think this will be a very close game, but the Owls will pull it out and send the Explorers to 0-6 against RPI top-100’s.
Temple 68, LA SALLE 65
Chris DiSano: Temple fans hope that Lavoy Allen’s effort (14 points, five boards) against Eastern Michigan last time out may be a sign of things to come. Quite simply, he is a major part of the Owls’ reaching their potential. If Allen can produce, defensive pressure decreases on Dionte Christmas and the rest of the perimeter folks… and that’s a great thing when you shoot 37.4% from long range as the Owls’ guard corps do. Juan Fernandez, the Argentinian guard who’s perfect from beyond the arc in two games since becoming eligible, should also boost the assault. La Salle is 13th in the league in three-point percentage defense. Expect TU to spread the floor.
La Salle, on the other hand, is searching for a resume building win. Their frontcourt is formidable, Kimmani Barrett is a strong-candidate for Most Improved Player and the guards are physical. LU will test Temple’s resolve inside and out and make the Owls earn buckets, particularly if the players are allowed to play. They’ll also run a variety of bodies at Dionte Christmas, including defensive specialist Paul Johnson.
It’s going to be tight, and the play of Allen is crucial. The gut is that Dunphy has him motivated and La Salle can’t put a lid on Temple’s shooters.
Temple 79, LA SALLE 71
Ray Floriani: A soft pretzel special. Both teams are still trying to find themselves. Explorers may be hitting a groove with a three game win steak. Temple’s problems have been defensive (101 defensive efficiency). Fran Dunphy’s Owls will opt for a low sixties possession contest. Getting that pace increases their chances for a win. LaSalle’s Rodney Green is a talent but coach John Giannini has to keep Vernon Goodridge (21 minutes per game) on the floor. Presence of Temple’s Dionte Christmas and Green are enough to make this an entertaining game. Throwing in the Big Five rivalry simply adds to the ambiance.
LA SALLE 69, Temple 66
Ian Nolan: Temple officially begins their defense of the league title in this game as they make the “long” drive to La Salle to begin their league slate. Like their Philly counterpart St. Joseph’s, Temple has been one of the most disappointing teams in the league sporting a 7-6 record. Don’t be fooled though, the Owls have faced the toughest schedule in the nation, and have knocked off Tennessee and a good Penn State team. La Salle looks to make the next step in a transition from a team on the rise last year, to a team who has arrived this year. Unfortunately for the Explorers, they have to take the first step in that process against the best player in the league in Dionte Christmas. Although this is a road game for the Owls, I like the team who has far and away the best player on the court, in a game with two teams who are not all that far apart from each other right now.
Temple 74, LA SALLE 68
Andrew Greene: Temple has been a bit slow to out of the blocks this year but, as well know, they have played a very challenging non-conference schedule. As far as La Salle is concerned, Rodney Green has provided the much of the offense for the Explorers, scoring in double digits in every game but two. Both teams are very evenly matched here and it will be razor close. Take the best player on the floor, Dionte Christmas, and the championship experience of the Owls over the Explorers. Temple earns the conference and Big 5 win.
Temple 72, LA SALLE 68
Jason Rhodes: Staying in Philly along with Saint Joe’s (a good day to be a cheese-steak vendor), La Salle hosts Dionte Christmas and the Owls of Temple on a nationally televised game (CBS) that has been moved to an 8:00pm EST tip. Neither head coach knows exactly what to expect in this one as Temple has been quite a dissapointment thus far while La Salle and Rodney Green have shown well of late. Temple is the better team as long as Lavoy Allen decides to play hard and Sergio Olmos clogs up the middle with his 7-foot frame. Expect another close one in the City of Brotherly Love with the nod going to Temple — as they will slow this one down with defense and frustrate the Explorers. Dunphy bests his alma-mater again, going 17-5 all-time against La Salle.
Temple 66, LA SALLE 63
Brendan Hames: Expect big things from LaSalle this A-10 conference season, but starting the A-10 slate off against Temple is a tough draw for the Explorers. Temple ended LaSalle’s season last year with a tough A-10 tourney defeat which is still fresh on the minds of this maturing LaSalle quad. This is ultimately a ‘Big Brother‘ mountain which the Explorers will need to climb as they ascend the ranks of the A-10, but that ascension won’t start this week.
Temple 71, LA SALLE 69
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Fast Break Game: Duquesne @ St. Bonaventure
Christian Marge: Duquesne 82, ST. BONAVENTURE 78
Chris DiSano: SAINT BONAVENTURE 74, Duquesne 69
Ray Floriani: Duquesne 71, SAINT BONAVENTURE 68
Ian Nolan: Duquesne 72, SAINT BONAVENTURE 70
Andrew Greene: ST. BONAVENTURE 75, Duquesne 70
Jason Rhodes: ST. BONAVENTURE 75, Duquesne 70
Brendan Hames: ST. BONAVENTURE 78, Duquesne 75
Topics: General |
