This is clearly the biggest game of the season for Temple. They MUST win this. If they were to lose, they would be 0-4 against the Big 3 in the AAC, with 2 road games left at Tulsa and SMU. 0-6 would look very bad to the committee against the Tournament level teams.
As for the game, Obi was our best player against them last time, and they shot 54% against us. Their athletic wings (Ellis, Clark, Thomas and Sanders) play so big. Our guards are going to have to DOMINATE Caupain and Cobb which won't be easy. Dingle didn't play last time until garbage time (coaches decision). Williams was horrible. He committed 4 fouls in 12 minutes, and shot 1 for 4, all from 3. He grabbed 1 rebound. Cincy's athleticism prevents him from being a positive factor in this game and if he is forced to play, it will really hurt. Coleman's lack of size against their larger wings would also present a problem. He struggled mightily in the first meeting as well. If Obi is out, that really only leaves a rotation of 7.
This is a bad match-up athletically. They typically shoot poorly from the perimeter, so Temple should again try and pack it in and dare them to shoot over the top. If they slash to the rim and get to the offensive boards, it could be a long night.
As for the game, Obi was our best player against them last time, and they shot 54% against us. Their athletic wings (Ellis, Clark, Thomas and Sanders) play so big. Our guards are going to have to DOMINATE Caupain and Cobb which won't be easy. Dingle didn't play last time until garbage time (coaches decision). Williams was horrible. He committed 4 fouls in 12 minutes, and shot 1 for 4, all from 3. He grabbed 1 rebound. Cincy's athleticism prevents him from being a positive factor in this game and if he is forced to play, it will really hurt. Coleman's lack of size against their larger wings would also present a problem. He struggled mightily in the first meeting as well. If Obi is out, that really only leaves a rotation of 7.
This is a bad match-up athletically. They typically shoot poorly from the perimeter, so Temple should again try and pack it in and dare them to shoot over the top. If they slash to the rim and get to the offensive boards, it could be a long night.
