Game Thread: UMASS @ St. Louis (Thursday 1/10/13)

[xu95]

UMASS

vs

St. Louis

Records: UMASS (10-3, 4-0 away) / St. Louis (11-3, 10-1 home)
Game time: 9PM EST
TV: CBS Sports
Radio: WEEI (105.5 FM, 1440 AM), WATD (95.9 FM) / 101 ESPN
Website: UMASS / St. Louis
Line:

[xu95]

How do the starting line ups match up?

[uz2b-len]

UMass has started this way during their win streak, and it has stabilized the team:
F - Terrell Vinson
F - Raphiael Putney
C - Sampson Carter
G - Jesse Morgan
G - Chaz Williams
They've looked better since Carter took over at center. He's strong, smart, and consistent. He knows what to do.
There's been some news that Carter hurt (re-injured?) his hip, but is supposedly gonna play. In any case, the front line that seems to do the most damage of late has been Cady LaLanne, Maxie Esho, and Freddie Riley off the bench--more of a three guard line up. I don't know how these guys match up against Saint Louis, but I will say that Kellogg did an interesting thing against Ohio U by having the off-guard, Jesse Morgan, defend Ohio's star point guard, DJ Cooper. Cooper still got a ton of points (Morgan got more), but it really took Ohio out of its offense. I wonder if Kellogg will do it again. UMass cruised at home last year against Saint Louis, so obviously the Billikens won't be taking this game lightly. UMass is going to have to start right out with a lot of energy to have a chance, and that goes for the start of the second half, too.

[Twister]

I can't see Umass Losing this game I say 8 Point win

[Knobby]

This game falls into the category of Win and lose when you are supposed to. Umass should lose this game and they have won/lost per that recipe every game so far.

They are horrible versus the spread this year and they will be 6 to 8 point dogs... I am calling a 13 point loss for the Minutemen. I think their lone upset win will come versus Temple tis year.

[El Shaqtus]

SLU will most likely go with:

G - Kwamain Mitchell
G - Mike McCall
F - Dwayne Evans
F - Cory Remekun
C - Rob Loe

Ellis and Jett first off the bench.

[waldo027]

Originally Posted by Knobby

This game falls into the category of Win and lose when you are supposed to. Umass should lose this game and they have won/lost per that recipe every game so far.

They are horrible versus the spread this year and they will be 6 to 8 point dogs... I am calling a 13 point loss for the Minutemen. I think their lone upset win will come versus Temple tis year.

Why do you say they will be 6-8 point dogs? Just wondering where you got those numbers from.

[z8-Minutemen]

I predict UMass by 10. STL lack of talent will prove to be too much to overcome when facing a UMass team that takes them out of their element. Remekun and Loe are not A-10 quality starters and a surging Esho will eat them up down low.

[El Shaqtus]

Originally Posted by z8-Minutemen

I predict UMass by 10. STL lack of talent will prove to be too much to overcome when facing a UMass team that takes them out of their element. Remekun and Loe are not A-10 quality starters and a surging Esho will eat them up down low.

While we're on the subject of "oh really", the 3-headed monster in SLU's backcourt makes Chaz Williams disappear, and the Bills ride the defense that has shut down better teams so far this year.

Bills by 10.

[z8-Minutemen]

Originally Posted by El Shaqtus

While we're on the subject of "oh really", the 3-headed monster in SLU's backcourt makes Chaz Williams disappear, and the Bills ride the defense that has shut down better teams so far this year.

Bills by 10.

SLU's backcourt will certainly hamper the play of Chaz Williams, but it won't affect the team too much overall. Unlike last year, when Chaz gets out of control and has a bad game, we have a serviceable point guard(Trey Davis) to put in his place. Trey runs a slowed down well controlled offense that will counter everything SLU does on defense. And like I've said, in the halfcourt offense or not, our bigs will abuse your MEAC quality bigs in the paint.

[El Shaqtus]

Originally Posted by z8-Minutemen

SLU's backcourt will certainly hamper the play of Chaz Williams, but it won't affect the team too much overall. Unlike last year, when Chaz gets out of control and has a bad game, we have a serviceable point guard(Trey Davis) to put in his place. Trey runs a slowed down well controlled offense that will counter everything SLU does on defense. And like I've said, in the halfcourt offense or not, our bigs will abuse your MEAC quality bigs in the paint.

I don't think UMass gets the chance. Jordair Jett will bagel somebody. Ask New Mexico about Cory Remekun, in case you want to know about "MEAC quality" bigs.

[z8-Minutemen]

Originally Posted by El Shaqtus

I don't think UMass gets the chance. Jordair Jett will bagel somebody. Ask New Mexico about Cory Remekun, in case you want to know about "MEAC quality" bigs.

Cool story, bro. You can also ask Missouri about Kyle O'Quinn, in case you want to know about "MEAC quality" bigs. MEAC quality is still MEAC quality, someone's gotta score.

[bprichard]

I like SLU in this one. They are very disciplined, which I think will give UMass fits.

[El Shaqtus]

Originally Posted by z8-Minutemen

Cool story, bro. You can also ask Missouri about Kyle O'Quinn, in case you want to know about "MEAC quality" bigs. MEAC quality is still MEAC quality, someone's gotta score.

I'll take my chances.

Obviously, you have a lot of experience with "MEAC quality". Wonder why?

[z8-Minutemen]

Originally Posted by El Shaqtus

I'll take my chances.

Obviously, you have a lot of experience with "MEAC quality". Wonder why?

I'm not quite sure what you're getting at...? Explain. I'll take a stab, is it because we play a terrible schedule vs MEAC teams? Because we haven't played a single one this year. Speaking of experience vs bad quality teams, nice job vs Santa Clara at home..