The Sea-Hawks will look to get back into the win column this weekend after dropping games last weekend in Halifax against the Dalhousie Tigers and falling to 5th place in the AUS standings.
They come home this weekend for a two game set with the UPEI Panthers, sporting a 7-1 record in the Field House. Their play at home has been exceptional most of the year, and they'll need that to hold true this weekend as they look to secure a playoff spot. The pesky Panthers remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, so Memorial will need to be prepared for two highly competitive games this weekend.
To keep up the great play at home, Memorial will need to find a way to play efficient on offense. Last time the Sea-Hawks were in the Field House their offense was incredible. Against the StFX X-Men they shot 51.5% from the field, getting huge performances out of Greg Manuel, Daniel Gordon, and Kieran Hawksley. So often Hawksley and Gordon help get the team going with their 3-point shooting, and this weekend should be no exception.
Another point of emphasis for Memorial is going to be shutting down the Panther's leading scorer Tyler Scott. Scott is widely regarded as one of the best players in the country and can score at will, it seems. He, along with defensive stud Dut Dut (recently profiled in the AUS' Wilson's Security Defensive Player Profile's) lead a Panther's group that has struggled despite their talent. The issue has chiefly been defense. The Panther's are allowing 91.1 points per game which is second worst in the conference. However, the offense has the ability to carry this team when they do enough on defense. When allowing fewer than 90 points the Panthers are 5-2 this season.
That puts further emphasis on the Sea-Hawks to play well on offense. Memorial is a solid defensive team that will aim to keep Scott and company somewhat in check while putting the pressure back on the Panthers defence. Saturday's Game tips off at 8:00 PM and Sunday's starts at 2:00 PM.