 |
6 p.m. tonight |
And in the first half of that game, Isler completely shut down Gantt.
And it didn’t matter. Florida Atlantic still rolled to a 22-point first-half
lead and led 35-19. Gantt got going in the second half and finished with 13
points. Again, it didn’t matter. UALR outscored FAU 46-27 in the second half
and rallied for a 65-62 victory.
So, what happens tonight when UALR takes on FAU at 6 p.m. Central in
Boca Raton, Fla.? With this UALR team it’s anybody’s guess. But one thing’s for
certain: FAU is a two-headed monster.
When FAU was rolling in the first half, it was due to the scoring of
point guard Stefan Moody, who torched UALR’s point guards. He hit four
first-half three-pointers and ultimately finished with 24 points.
Scoring point guards have given UALR some issues this year. And it’s
not like you can just slide Isler over to guard the point (like UALR did vs.
Milwaukee). Gantt is just too dangerous.
In Thursday’s overtime loss to North Texas, Gantt attempted 23 field
goals. Moody attempted 21 field goals. And the other six players who saw action
combined to attempt 23 field goals.
A two-headed threat indeed.
BURN UNIT
Getting tired of going through West Division scenarios. There’s only
one that really matters tonight. If UALR loses to FAU and Arkansas State beats
Troy, UALR will finish second in the West Division and will be seeded no better
than fourth. Anything else, keeps UALR alive for the 2.
INJURY REPORT
UALR is still without sophomore guard Taggart Lockhart. He’s played
only parts of two of the past five games. UALR is 1-4 in those games.
BTH KEYS TO VICTORY
Set the Mood: FAU’s Stefan Moody torched UALR in the first meeting.
UALR can’t afford for both Moody and Gantt to go off tonight.
We like Mike: UALR’s Michael Javes has been among the best Trojans in
recent weeks. If he’s got it going on tonight, UALR needs to feed him the ball.
Through the hoop: FAU is a very solid defensive team. UALR is going to
have to execute on offense tonight. Shoot 40 percent and the Trojans likely
win.
VEGAS, BABY
Florida Atlantic is a one-point favorite in Las Vegas.
PREDICTIONS
Omni Rankings (15-4): FAU 64, UALR 60
Real Time RPI (21-6): FAU 69, UALR 66
Jeff Sagarin (19-7): FAU 71, UALR 69
The Sports Network (19-7): TBA
CBS Sportsline (17-9): TBA
BTH Average (18-8): FAU 68.0,
UALR 65.0
