Preview: Lehigh at Boston U
The Battle of the Mountain Tops: Boston U and Lehigh Clash in Thrilling Matchup
As the calendar flips to February, the Mountain Top Conference is heating up with each team vying for a spot in the postseason. On Saturday, Boston University (BU) will travel to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to face off against their toughest rival yet: Lehigh Mountain Hawks.
The stakes are high as both teams look to secure crucial wins and move closer to securing home-court advantages in the playoffs. With a combined 18-6 record, these two opponents have already proven themselves as top-tier programs, each boasting talented rosters and deep benches.
Key Matchups to Watch
* Rebounding Battle: Lehigh's Hank Alvey (7.3 RPG) vs Boston U's Ben Defty (6.7 RPG): The Mountain Hawks' interior presence will be put to the test by BU's physical big men, who have consistently outmuscled opponents on the glass.
* Nasir Whitlock Showdown: Lehigh's star point guard, Nasir Whitlock (18.2 PPG), faces off against Boston U's defense, which has struggled to contain opposing scorers. Can Whitlock continue his torrid shooting to keep BU at bay?
* Michael McNair vs. Defense: Boston U's sharpshooting wingman Michael McNair (16.3 PPG) will need to find his range in the face of Lehigh's stifling defense, which has allowed just 31% from beyond the arc this season.
Recent Form and Trends
Both teams have had their share of ups and downs, but with recent form being key, here are the latest results:
* Boston U: 2-3 — Recent games vs Lafayette (W), American (L), Navy (W), UMass Lowell (L), Dartmouth (W)
* Lehigh: 2-3 — Recent games vs Holy Cross (W), Bucknell (L), Army (W), Monmouth (L), Penn State (W)
X-Factor
While both teams have strong rebounding units, the Mountain Hawks' ability to outmuscle opponents on the glass could prove decisive in this matchup. If Lehigh can secure a significant advantage on the boards, it could swing momentum their way.
Tone and Structure
This game is all about setting the tone for the postseason push. With the stakes high and both teams looking to secure crucial wins, the atmosphere will be electric. Anticipation will build as the two teams take the court, with every possession feeling like a potential game-changer.
As we enter the home stretch of the regular season, one thing is certain: this matchup between Boston U and Lehigh Mountain Hawks has all the makings of an instant classic. Will it be a defensive battle for the ages or a high-scoring shootout? One thing's for sure – only time will tell as these two mountain top teams face off in what promises to be an unforgettable contest.