Wednesdays are normally reserved for the MAC during conference play, but we also get a lot of non-conference Wednesday games. Three games are on the schedule tonight, including a mini-rivalry.
North Dakota State | Western Michigan | 7:00 pm | MACDN |
Ohio | Morgan State | 7:30 pm | None |
Miami | Xavier | 8:00 pm | FS1 |
North Dakota State and Western Michigan get a rematch of last year's CBI first round match-up. The Bison are just 1-2 on the year, with a win over a Division 2 team and losses at Saint Mary's and Southern Miss. With six seniors on the roster they'll be a tough team to beat most nights. Forward Marshall Bjorklund is a talented player and his match-up with Shayne Whittington will be one to watch. Five Bison average more than ten points per game, and Lawrence Alexander averages 9.3. It'll take a valiant defensive effort from the Broncos, but they have a great shot at winning this one.
Ohio makes their return trip to Baltimore after the Bears traveled to Athens in 2011. Morgan State hasn't won a game yet, losing at Ohio State and Towson and at home against San Diego. If there's one guy to watch on the Bear roster it's Justin Black who averages 21 points per game. Morgan State is pretty bad; they rank 321st in points per game, 328th in field goal percentage and almost dead last in assists. It may be a road game, but this should be an easy win for the 'Cats.
Miami and Xavier may be mini-rivals on the court, but off the court they're community focused. The teams banded together Tuesday night to pass out turkeys to needy families at a local food bank. Moving on to the game itself, Xavier comes in 3-0 with wins over Gardner-Webb, Tennessee and Morehead State. This with be the 100th meeting of the RedHawks and Musketeers and Xavier leads the all-time series 52-47. You may remember Matt Stainbrook, who's in his first season with Xavier after transferring from Western Michigan. He's averaging 10.7 points per game and a Big East leading 10.3 rebounds per game. Miami will have a hard time handling him as well as star guard Semaj Christon.
Women's Games
Buffalo | Duquesne | 11:00 am | None |
Ball State | Evansville | 7:00 pm | None |
Toledo | UMKC | 8:00 pm | None |
We don't get to see any women's basketball, but there are three games to keep tabs on. Buffalo and Duquesne tip at 11 in the morning for the third annual Education Day, so that should be a great way to start your morning. Evansville is 1-3 on the year, so that'll be a good chance for the Cardinals to get a win. UMKC hasn't won a game yet, and tonight is their home opener. All the MAC teams have good match-ups and should be able to all get wins tonight.