Once again, Seattle University struggled to find their offensive rhythm against in Davis, CA on Saturday with 30 percent shooting from the field doing them in during their 80-58 loss against UC Davis.
Men’s Basketball Drops Road Contest to UC Davis - Seattle University Redhawks Athletics
UC Davis went on an 11-2 run at the start of the second half to take its biggest lead of the game at 42-28. Broussard hit a three-pointer to stop the run, then stole the ball and assisted on a layup by Burrell to cut the Aggie lead to nine. However, that would be as close as the Redhawks would get, as UC Davis slowly extended its advantage throughout the rest of the game.
They try to find some shooting consistency tonight against the 5-2 Montana State Bobcats, who are coming off a similar 81-59 loss but against a much tougher opponent in Iowa State. And unfortunately for Seattle U, MSU has lived off out shooting their opponents.
Key statistical battleground: shooting efficiency
By now, this narrative should be clear - Seattle U thrives when they're driving to the basket and getting to the free throw line. They do not do so well when they're forced into shooting from beyond the arc. Montana State is probably aware of this and will probably attempt to play a 2-3 zone. Until Seattle U shoots their way out of it, Montana State should probably stay in that zone.
Montana State players to watch:
Bobby Howard, F (6-foot-7, 225, Jr.)
Howard leads the team in scoring efficiency and is currently averaging team-highs in points (18.1 ppg) and rebounds (7.6 rpg) and is their best defensive rebounder by percentage. Although the Redhawks have the size to contend with Howard, efficient scoring big men have hurt them this year. While Howard also gets to the free throw line at a high rate he's also been exceptional from the 3-point line this year making nearly 40% of this shots from deep.
Erik Rush, G (6-foot-5, 210, Jr.)
Where Rush is making his biggest impact is as a distributor, but he's also aggressive on the defensive boards and gets to the free throw line at a high rate, which demonstrates and ability to drive and draw contact. He has been inconsistent from beyond the arc, but has shown no fear in shooting 3-point shots, averaging just over five per game.