The Matchup
The Memorial Sea-Hawks (2-6) will be hosting a two-game weekend series with the Cape Breton Capers (2-5), with each game being worth 4 points in the AUS standings. The series is important for both teams, as the Sea-Hawks currently hold the final playoff spot, with the Capers trailing by 2 points in the standings.
Last Action
The Sea-Hawks handed the first place UNB Varsity Reds their first loss of the season and will be looking to build on that victory as the get the second half of the season underway.
Cape Breton dropped their last game before the Christmas break, losing a 108-99 decision on the road to the StFX X-Men.
By the Numbers
89.3 – The Capers are currently ranked 2nd in the AUS, averaging 89.3 points/game.
31.3 – The Sea-Hawks finished the first half of the season averaging 31.3 rebounds/game, which ranks them last in the AUS. This will surely be an area the Sea-Hawks look to improve on.
76.7 – Memorial has the 2nd best free throw percentage in the AUS, a stat that could play a big factor if the games are tight going down the stretch.
4 – The number of points that each game will be worth in this double-header.
Players to Watch
Nathan Barker (Memorial) – The 2nd year Hawk continues to impress and has improved his PPG to 17.8, which ranks Barker 6th in AUS scoring. He has scored 23+ points in 3 of his last 4 games.
Martin Campbell (Cape Breton) – Campbell is coming off a 40-point performance in his last game, which included seven 3-pointers. He is averaging 41.2% from beyond the arc this season.
Coaches Thoughts
Sea-Hawks Head Coach Peter Benoite has been pleased with his teams preparation over the last week and is looking for continued improvements as they enter the second half of the season.
"Its a big weekend for both teams. It's important that we come out with intensity as Cape Breton is a much-improved team and they can shoot the ball very well. They are very athletic and can score with any team, so we will need to play very tough and play very well. Hopefully we can build on the momentum from before the break, and get off to a good start the 2nd half of the season."