LU65
Sophomore
Posts: 133
Reg: 07-30-06
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11-26-08 06:27 PM - Post#54342
Is tonight's game the mismatch it appears to be? Yeah, probably, but that's why they play the game. The only thing Rutgers and Lehigh have in common are their 3-1 records. That's where it ends.
Lehigh has nothing to lose; Rutgers, a lot beginning with it's pride and reputation - especially after starting out 3-0 and dropping their last contest to the Bonnies of St. Bonaventure.
Lehigh's RPI is 243; Rutger's 121 (there are 340 teams competing in DI this year).
Lehigh's strength of schedule is 266; Rutger's is 162.
Lehigh competes in the Patriot League (Conference Ranking: 25); Rutgers in the Big East (Conference Ranking: 2). There are 32 DI conferences.
Lehigh prides itself on ball control (60 assists/51 turnovers); Rutgers (42 assists/61 turnovers).
Lehigh's top rebounders (6'9" Carrington and 6'10" Anderson) combine for 10.5rp; Rutgers big boys (6'11" Ndlaye and 6'9" Echenique) combine for 19.5rpg. They pulled down 25 in their win over St. Bonaventure.
Lehigh boasts 6 three point threats (Hall, Anderson, Keefer, Buchberger, Small, and Ojo) ; Rutgers 2 (Rosario and Chandler).
Lehigh has 7 blocked shots on the year; Rutgers 43. Jr. Center, Ndlaye has 23 alone.
Is it possible to beat Rutgers with the deck stacked against us? Sure, but a lot of things must happen. To start with, how about another night of TOs (15+) for the Scarlet Knight and toss in some cold shooting while you're at it, ala the St. Bonaventure game.......40%FG, 26.5%3FG, and 52.4%FT. Secondly, it would seem that Lehigh must hit often and with great accuracy (45%+) from beyond the arc. As much as I like Carrington, Anderson, and Adams, they'll have their hands full getting off shots with Ndlaye and Enhenique draped all over them. Offensive rebounds will be hard to come by with their twin towers in the game. Therefore, the question may become: can Hall, Buchberger, Small, Ojo, Anderson and Keefer keep them guessing and get hot from deep? Will two or more begin to dominate and, as a group, hit 14 plus bombs? Then and maybe then, we can stay even in point totals and have it come down to FTs and intangibles.
It'll be fun to watch.
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