BTW- If Maceo is going to get minutes, it would be helpful if he takes a shot or two! He helps the team defensively no doubt but......

This is definitely a game we should win. We are definitely the better team. If we play the way we were before the pause or even like we did against Richmond we will. They inexplicably have dominated the series though.

Richmond, Davidson, VCU, Dayton, Bonaventure dominate our series, but they have good teams. LaSalle has been pretty similar to us over the last 30 years. They've made one tournament since 92. Since joining the A-10 in 95 they are 95 games below .500 in the conference. They've only been above .500 in 4 of those 26 conference seasons (the same number as us). Yet they've won 8 of the last 11 against us. They have won the last 5 games in Philly by a combined 65 points. Going back further they've won 31 of the last 47. We've only beaten them in Philly 5 times in the last 40 years.

The game will probably be decided on the perimeter. They shoot the three well, but we defend the deep ball very well. Despite our best two scorers being inside guys we continue to fall in love with the three ball. So we will need to knock some down to win. They have a lot of length, but still don't defend very well. So I think we'll be able to make those shots.

When we do miss look for us to crash the boards hard, which could make the difference in a close game. They allow a lot of offensive rebounds, and we've been pretty good at that. Taking care of the ball will be key too. We've done a surprisingly good job of that since Carry left. So I think we'll be alright, they do force a lot of turnovers though. Foul trouble has been a big X factor for us, but luckily LaSalle doesn't get to the line very often. 

We have the better players and I think this is a good matchup for us. If we just look at our last six games and their last four it shouldn't even be close (86-66 Dukes based just on those ten games). Recent history says it will be a close game though and their lack of a go to guy will be the difference. Dukes 71 Explorers 68.

Last edited by luckymcd (2/22/2021 10:41 am)

FAM wrote:

So I am going to fall back on something we can count on - if we are good enough we will win - if we aren't good enough, we don''t deserve to win.  No blame on officials, time off, etc.  It is up to each individual player and the coaches.  Go Dukes!

FAM- Can't argue with your logic one bit! Really can't add a thing except GO DUKES!
Do expect it to be close.

Dukes by 10 and I think they are ready to surprise some teams! I agree with Duq81 and others on TDM being the key on offense.Keep  the great dimes and I am OK if he keeps shooting too but make sure that it is a good shot. Bigs keep crashing and play with intensity both ends.I do think we're better than LaSalle and will beat Richmond if we get them again