Citadel Bulldogs(+24) over WEST VIRGINIA MOUTAINEERS
4* #571 CITADEL over WEST VIRGINIA
An underdog that is both much more ready to play than the favorite, and also bringing a small chip on the shoulder, should stay well within the high line set here, especially because that dog can play a little. And the favorite does not really care. Perhaps no team in the nation improved more LY than the Bulldogs, who went from six wins to 20, and made it to the post-season C.I.T. bracket, but they may be even better this winter, with veteran guards Cameron Wells and Zach Urbanus returning, and the addition of 7-0/255 Washington transfer Joe Wolfinger (played 16 games for the Huskies LY but was granted immediately eligibility because he is a grad student) and talented FR Mike Groselle. And Ed Conroy has had ample opportunity to get his team up to speed, with this being their sixth game already. They also bring a sense of purpose, with next year’s game between the programs cancelled because West Virginia wants to play a tougher non-conference slate (the Mountaineers will add to tonight’s visitors paycheck as part of the buy-out). That adds a little more zip to a team that will be hungry to show that they can compete vs. this class. As for the West Virginia level of play, Bob Huggins and his team may indeed by Sweet 16 contenders later, but they are nowhere near that right now. They have played only one game, which was nine full days ago, and are trying to fit the pieces without super talent Devin Ebanks (still not with the team, for “personal reasons”), Joe Mazzulla (limited by a back injury, but may see some action tonight) and Deniz Kilicli (suspended for 20 games). But making matters worse tonight is the major distraction of what is ahead – after this game they take a long bus ride to Cincinnati (still almost four hours even with little late-night traffic), then catch a long flight to the west coast, where they have the misfortune of being in the opening game of the 76 Classic at Anaheim vs. Long Beach State early (11 AM Pacific) Thursday. The long layoff prior to tonight means that the team rhythm and chemistry is off, and the long trip and quick turnaround ahead also have Huggins more interested in keeping his starters fresh than extending any kind of margin tonight.
Dave Malinsky 11/24
Reply With Quote