Game 7 Preview – Central Arkansas
Intro/History Between Teams:
Welp, this isn’t the start we thought our Ramblers would have to the season. Now through six games, I think we can say that the first chunk of our season has been a disappointment. But hey, we’ve only played one home game so far. I think this team can find a rhythm at Gentile and get their mojo back. That starts on Wednesday night against Central Arkansas. These two teams have never faced each other before.
Main Storyline For This Game:
Who is going to be the stopper? When teams aren’t playing well, someone needs to step up and end the losing streak. When you’re playing on the road or in a tournament, you usually hope it’s an upperclassman leader. When you’re playing at home in your own comfort zone, it can often be one of your younger or newer players who takes a step forward.
I’m looking at either Ben Schwieger or Jayden Dawson to play that role on Wednesday night. Schwieger has shown the ability to do a little bit of everything. He’s gained the trust of the staff, as well. He’s averaging the second most minutes played on the team, is third in scoring, and second in assists per game. This could be a breakout game on both ends of the court for Ben. Jayden Dawson has slowly but surely progressed as the season has carried on. He has shot a very respectable 38.5% from 3 point range, and he showed in the Harvard game that he has a knack for rebounding. I’m hoping to see Jayden knock down a few threes and make a spectacular block or steal against Central Arkansas.
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch:
HOT: The coaching staff, and I don’t mean this in a super positive way. The coaching staff must be upset with the results to this point. Look for Drew and company to continue trying different plays and sets out. One thing I’m hoping to see very soon is a dedicated 9 man rotation. Let’s see Drew pick out the best 9 and let those guys get comfortable on the court.
NOT: Braden Norris has gotten out to a very poor stretch to start the year. His shooting efficiency and ball security numbers are quite honestly abysmal, but I’m hoping to see two different approaches in fixing these problems. I hope they lean into Braden initiating the offense. I think I’ve seen enough at their attempt to let Braden play off the ball, at least for now. Let him orchestrate the offense and look for others to get more shot attempts. More ball handling and less shot hunting for Braden might do the trick.
Game Time, Broadcast Info, Ticket Availability
Probable Starting Lineups:
Loyola
G: Braden Norris
G: Marquise Kennedy
F: Ben Schwieger
F: Phil Alston
C: Tom Welch
Central Arkansas
G: Kayouloud
G: Kirsipuu
G: Hunter
G: Olowokere
C: Bounds
Recently injured/unavailable: Ibbe Klintmann had started UCA’s first 6 games, did play in their most recent game on Sunday
By The Numbers:
- Points Per Game
- Loyola: 63 points/game
- Central Arkansas: 77.9 points/game
- Points Allowed Per Game
- Loyola: 71.3 points/game
- Central Arkansas: 73.6 points/game
- Pastries, Desserts, and lots of Turnovers
- Loyola: 20.5 TO/game, most in NCAA
- Central Arkansas: 14.6 TO/game, 86th most in NCAA
Also, yes, I changed the Loyola picture in the header for some good change.
