Preview: Charleston So at Richmond
The Road to Richmond: Can Charleston So. Contain the Spiders' High-Scoring Attack?
In a matchup that promises to be a thrilling shootout between two high-powered offenses, the University of Richmond Spiders take on the College of Charleston Cougars at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia. The stakes are high, with both teams vying for conference supremacy and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The Richmond Spiders, led by head coach Mike London, have been on a tear lately, boasting a 4-1 record over their last five games. AJ Lopez has been a one-man show, scoring at least 15 points in each of those contests, while Mike Walz has provided a spark off the bench with his reliable playmaking and defensive prowess.
The Charleston Cougars, meanwhile, have been quietly building momentum under coach Barlow Wade. Brycen Blaine is the catalyst for their offense, putting up an average of 16.7 points per game this season, including a career-high 33 points in their last outing against Furman.
One key battle that could make or break the outcome of this matchup is the rebounding contest. The Richmond Spiders have been excellent on the glass, outrebounding their opponents by an average margin of 6.5 boards per game. The Charleston Cougars, however, have struggled to secure second-chance points, allowing opponents to grab an average of 12.8 rebounds per game.
The X-Factor:
Can the Richmond Spiders' stingy defense contain Brycen Blaine and limit Charleston So.'s high-powered offense? If they can, it could be a long night for the Cougars. Conversely, if the Cougars can get their big men involved in the rebounding battle, they may have a chance to make some noise on the other end of the floor.
Recent Form:
Richmond (4-1) vs Charleston So. (3-2)
* Richmond: The Spiders have been on fire lately, with AJ Lopez leading the way. They've won four straight games and have looked nearly unbeatable at times.
* Charleston So.: The Cougars have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly from Brycen Blaine, who has put up 16.7 points per game this season.
The Key Matchup:
AJ Lopez vs Brycen Blaine
These two guards are the focal points of their respective offenses, and a battle between them could determine the outcome of this matchup. Can AJ Lopez contain Brycen Blaine's scoring ability? Will Brycen Blaine be able to get around Mike Walz on defense?
The Verdict:
This is shaping up to be a thrilling game, with both teams looking to make a statement in conference play. The Richmond Spiders' stingy defense will need to be at its best if they want to contain the high-powered Charleston So. offense. But can they do it? One thing's for sure – this matchup has all the makings of a classic shootout.