Weekend Recap
The Memorial Sea-Hawks (2-2) completed the sweep against the Cape Breton Caper (0-4). After a tough opener to the regular season against UPEI (3-1), the Hawks are looking to continue their winning streak against the Dalhousie Tigers (3-1).
Key Matchups
The Hawks have one of the best players in the AUS right now with Cole Long, who is currently averaging nearly 22 points per game (21.8) and 14 rebounds (13.8). While Long isn't shooting the ball at a remarkably high percentage (40% from the field, 30% from three-point territory), he is able to convert at the foul line, shooting an impressive 84%. Dalhousie will look to minimize Long's offensive talents and his rebounding capability. Another matchup that Dalhousie plans to manage will be Jason Thompson. Thompson is currently in the top 10 scorers, and top 5 in assists as well; he is averaging nearly 15 points per game (14.5) and 4 assists per game. Thompson is certainly a floor general for the Hawks and Dalhousie will look to minimize his impacts.
For the visiting Tigers, they are missing Alex Carson who has only played two games. It is unknown whether or not Carson will be playing in the weekend series. In the two games that Carson has played for Dalhousie, he has been able to average 25 points, leading the Tigers. If Carson plays, he will definitely be a defensive focus. Aside from Carson, the team scoring is spread across multiple players, showing the Tigers chemistry. These two teams are quite similarly matched on paper – this weekend series will be quite the battle.
Team Comparison
The Tigers are currently sitting in second place in the AUS, with the Hawks staying in the middle of the pack right now at fourth place. Between the two teams, Dalhousie is sitting in third place in terms of field goal percentage, marking their offensive caliber. However both teams are quite similar in terms of three-point field goal percentage, sitting in the lower-end of the conference with MUN in fifth place and Dalhousie in sixth place. The major edge for Memorial is their rebounding success this year, as they hold the top spot in the conference; they're also leading the leagues in blocks, showing their interior prowess. Coach Ian Coultas had this to say about the visiting Tigers: "We are looking forward to our matchup with Dalhousie this weekend. Dal is an experienced team with a lot of talent on their roster. We know we will have to play at our best on both of the floor to secure wins this weekend."
The games will be played on Saturday, November 13 at 8:00 PM NDT, and Sunday, November 14th at 3:00 PM NDT, at the Fieldhouse in St. Johns.