ISU @ Niagara
This is a weird game. While i thought Illinois St probably does not feel like flying out to NY to play on a friday night against a good Niagara team where the building is sold out and should be rocking on ESPN2 tonight. They have two huge games coming up with Creighton and Northern Iowa. They know if they win both of those they pry win the MVC. How can they come ready and be excited to play this game?
Niagara also has a big game with Siena next, which will be a big game but Siena has already locked up the conference title. Niagara should be ready to come home after a 3 game road trip and should be ready to play after a tough loss @ rider.
I dont beleive in trends so i will not get into that stuff but if you like it....For the fourth time in the seven-year history of the event, Illinois State has been selected to participate in the ESPNU BracketBusters Series. The Redbirds will travel to Niagara Friday, and face the Purple Eagles on ESPN2. ISU is 3-0 in BracketBuster games, which are officially a part of the series when selected for the television package. The Redbirds also boast an 11-1 record in games established by the BracketBusters concept, which includes the return games. The 11 victories are the most by any team that has participated in the made-for-TV event. Niagara has covered in 6 of their last 7.
Basketball wise this Illinois St team shoots a lot of three's. Second most in the MVC at 346 attempts and they shoot it well at 37%. Niagara is very very bad at guarding the 3. They are worst in the MAAC at letting teams shoot almost 40% from 3. They also dont rebound the ball very well allowing over 15 offensive rebounds per game.
IF and I mean IF Illinois St comes ready to play I think they win this game. I wouldnt be surprised if Niagara is all pumped up and gets the crowd into it and blows them out either. But I think there is a mismatch here om ISU's favor
ISU
I think the 3 point shooting and offensive rebounding for ISU will be the difference here.
Niagara
I think what is in their favor in their turnover forcing D. They force over 17 per game. However ISU will throw out 4 guards, 2 juniors and 2 seniors that should be able to stand the pressure on the road and they shoot very good FT% for down the stretch.
4 units
Illinois St +3.5
This is a weird game. While i thought Illinois St probably does not feel like flying out to NY to play on a friday night against a good Niagara team where the building is sold out and should be rocking on ESPN2 tonight. They have two huge games coming up with Creighton and Northern Iowa. They know if they win both of those they pry win the MVC. How can they come ready and be excited to play this game?
Niagara also has a big game with Siena next, which will be a big game but Siena has already locked up the conference title. Niagara should be ready to come home after a 3 game road trip and should be ready to play after a tough loss @ rider.
I dont beleive in trends so i will not get into that stuff but if you like it....For the fourth time in the seven-year history of the event, Illinois State has been selected to participate in the ESPNU BracketBusters Series. The Redbirds will travel to Niagara Friday, and face the Purple Eagles on ESPN2. ISU is 3-0 in BracketBuster games, which are officially a part of the series when selected for the television package. The Redbirds also boast an 11-1 record in games established by the BracketBusters concept, which includes the return games. The 11 victories are the most by any team that has participated in the made-for-TV event. Niagara has covered in 6 of their last 7.
Basketball wise this Illinois St team shoots a lot of three's. Second most in the MVC at 346 attempts and they shoot it well at 37%. Niagara is very very bad at guarding the 3. They are worst in the MAAC at letting teams shoot almost 40% from 3. They also dont rebound the ball very well allowing over 15 offensive rebounds per game.
IF and I mean IF Illinois St comes ready to play I think they win this game. I wouldnt be surprised if Niagara is all pumped up and gets the crowd into it and blows them out either. But I think there is a mismatch here om ISU's favor
ISU
I think the 3 point shooting and offensive rebounding for ISU will be the difference here.
Niagara
I think what is in their favor in their turnover forcing D. They force over 17 per game. However ISU will throw out 4 guards, 2 juniors and 2 seniors that should be able to stand the pressure on the road and they shoot very good FT% for down the stretch.
4 units
Illinois St +3.5
