Matchup
The Sea-Hawks (4-8) will be facing off against the Acadia Axemen (10-2) in the weekend series on January 27th and 28th. This will be the second time the Hawks have faced Acadia this season, after dropping a nail-biter opening game of the season; the Hawks dropped their first series against the Axemen.
Last Action
After dropping both games in a series against Dalhousie away from home court, the Hawks will be coming back looking for a win. The final of the two-game series resulted in a devastating overtime loss. The Axemen come in to this two-game series after taking victories over UNB and UPEI in their last two games.
By The Numbers
46.7% - Memorial ranks second overall in the AUS for field goal percentage. The Hawks will look to their successful streak on the offensive end while trying to maintain Acadia's struggles from the field. The Axemen rank sixth overall for field goal percentage.
35.0% - Acadia and Memorial are virtually identical in terms of success from outside. Memorial is currently shooting 34.9% from deep. The two teams are evenly matched on the perimeter; a key factor will be who controls the deep ball.
13.1 – Acadia is currently second in the AUS in offensive rebounds per game. This area, conversely, has been a struggle for Memorial as they rank last in the conference. The Axemen will certainly look to crash the glass, seeking the easy second chance points.
15.6 – Memorial ranks last once again in another category; fewest turnovers per game. The Axemen are not shining examples of ball control however, as they place sixth in the conference. The team that can limit turnovers and wasted possessions will certainly gain an advantage.
Player Spotlight
Greg Manuel (Memorial) – After a strong weekend against Dalhousie, Manuel will be looking to continue his success against the Axemen. Facing a strong frontcourt on Dalhousie, he was able to put up solid contributions in the weekend series; he had 17 and 16, as well as shooting a scorching percentage from the field. Between the two games, Manuel was able to only miss three shots (15/18).
Erik Nissen (Acadia) – After a strong performance against UPEI, stuffing the stat sheet with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, Nissen will be looking to once again cause havoc on both sides of the basketball by providing consistent contributions. Nissen is currently averaging a double-double (18.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG). Currently, he ranks in the fifth spot for top scorer in the AUS, right between two Sea-Hawks, Daniel Gordon (4th) and Nathan Barker (6th).