Fresno State vs. Rice
Thursday, 5 p.m. at Autry Court (5,000) TV/Radio: None/KMJ-580, KOOR-790
GAME PREIVEW by Eddie Hughes
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Ja’Vance Coleman hit a 30-footer as time expired to beat
UTEP. Photo by Joseph Vasquez |
Bulldogs
Point Guard
Freshman Kevin Bell stepped up late in the win over UTEP with some pestering
defense. The Bulldogs will need more of that Thursday.
Wing
It’s no secret anymore that Ja’Vance Coleman is the team’s
go-to player. And that’s part of the reason he’s shooting only
38 percent. Still, the sophomore leads the team with 18 points per game.
Wing
Donovan Morris has quickly become one of the team’s most dependable
scorers, averaging 11.8 points.
Power Forward
The Bulldogs are a much better rebounding team since moving senior Dreike
Bouldin over from the wing. Bouldin leads the team with 7.8 rebounds per
game and averages 9.5 points.
Center
Senior Mustafa Al-Sayyad has shown great shot selection this year, making
62 percent of his attempts. He averages 12.6 points and 7.6 rebounds.
Intangibles
Fresno State is tied for first place, half a game ahead of Rice, and needs
a win to stay there.
Owls
Point Guard
Sophomore Lorenzo Williams has stepped in as the starter to average 8.8
points and 4.4 assists. Brock Gillespie is dangerous from long range.
Edge: Owls
Shooting Guard
Jason McKrieth might be the toughest player Coleman has matched up with
all season. The senior scores 12.8 points per game.
Edge: Even
Small Forward
J.R. Harrison has started all but one game this season and is shooting 44
percent on 3s.
Edge: Even
Power Forward
Patrick Britton is a 6-foot-8, 200-pound freshman matching up with Bouldin,
a 6-8, 215-pound senior.
Edge: Bulldogs
Center
Michael Harris averages a double-double with 20 points and 11.7 rebounds.
But he’s undersized for a center at 6-6.
Edge: Even
Intangibles
It’ll be hard for anyone to beat the Owls in Houston.
Edge: Even
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