Game of the Day: Rutgers vs Fordham
In Fordham’s first true road game this season, the Rams will travel to Piscataway to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Both teams are coming off of wins in which they controlled the opponent, and Fordham will look to try to pull off the upset. Here are some things to watch in the game tonight.
It is no secret how good Joseph Chartouny is on the defensive side of the ball. He is averaging just under 4 steals a game, and the Rams as a whole have one of the best turnover margins in the country. This game will show how good they could be on defense, as they will be facing a Rutgers team that has done very well protecting the ball so far this season. If Fordham is going to find a weak spot, it could be freshman guard Geo Baker for the Scarlet Knights who has had games of 5 and 6 turnovers this season. The Rams are going to need to force turnovers if they are going to pull this one out.
A stat that jumps out for Fordham is there point margin in the second half compared to the first. The Rams have outscored opponents by 19 in the first half, but in the second, they are -25 in point differential. On the other hand, Rutgers in the second half has outscored opponents by 74 points. Fordham cannot afford to slack in the second half, and are going to need to play a full game if they want to steal a victory.
The Scarlet Knights are a very well rounded team, and Fordham will have to play better than they have so far this season if they are going to pull this one out. That means doing the little things, like making free throws, where they have only shot 65% this season. I think Fordham will hang in this one, and if Chartouny and Tavares perform well, they just might have a chance.
My Prediction: Fordham 57, Rutgers 70
George Mason vs Georgia Southern
Georgia Southern may not be a well know team outside of their area, but they have looked good so far this season, highlighted by a victory over Wake Forest. This one could be very high scoring, and expect Livingston ll to get over 20 points for the first time this season. George Mason has done well at home this season, and as long as they can keep the score at a reasonable level, and keep the Georgia Southern shooters in check, they should be alright.
My Prediction: George Mason 82, Georgia Southern 76
Saint Louis vs Murray State
The Billikens have lost 5 of their last 6 games, and this one is not going to be any easier. Murray State is coming into this game red hot, riding a 5 game win streak. Murray State is led by their Senior Forward Terrell MIller, who is averaging 17 points and 8 boards a game. Saint Louis cannot afford to have one of there bigs get in foul trouble, and watching French go up against Miller will definitely be interesting. Both these guys are built like football players, and it should be very physical throughout this one. The Billikens are going to have to find a way to get back on track, and a win over a strong Murray State team would be a good place to start.
My Prediction: Murray State 63, Saint Louis 72
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