Men's Basketball Preview

Fresno State (13-10, 6-6) at Creighton (17-7, 11-5 MVC)

Guards

Ja’Vance Coleman had a big impact in the win over Hawaii Monday. Coleman shot 50 percent on the night, including 4 of 8 from three-point land. Head coach Steve Cleveland was very happy with Coleman’s defensive effort, citing his great energy throughout the game. Point guard Kevin Bell is still consistent dishing out the ball and playing defense, but his shot is very much out of sync. Bell has been left wide open multiple times for three-pointers, rarely connecting on any.

Creighton’s usual starter at point guard, Josh Dotzler, missed Tuesday’s game against Wichita State and is questionable for the game against the Bulldogs. Senior guard Nate Funk is out for the season after he underwent shoulder surgery earlier this season. Johnny Mathies leads the team with a 13.7 points per game average. He also leads them in free throw and three-point field goal percentage.

Forwards

It will be rare for Quinton Hosley to see players from the opposing team hustle around the court the same way he does. Hosley will need to be just one of the Bulldogs to break out against the Blue Jays, especially since the Bulldogs are on the road, where they have struggled. Dwight O’Neil regained a starting spot because of how well he's been playing, not because Donovan Morris has played poorly. O’Neil played remarkable defense against Hawaii’s Julian Sensley, and his energy is much needed. Morris’ shot is slowly coming back, and his defense is improving. He needs to keep a positive attitude—the coaches are not out to get him.

Creightons Dane Watts is a big body at 6-8 tall, and averages 8.4 points per game and 5.6 assists per game. Sophomore Pierce Hibma will likely draw Hosely, and he could be the deciding factor on who wins the game. Hibma only averages 2.9 points, but shoots 47.1 percent for behind the arc.

Center

The big man James Tchana may see a career-high in minutes played against Creighton as long as he stays out of foul trouble. The reason is that the Blue Jays offer a big body of their own in Anthony Tolliver, who stands 6----9 and weighs 245 pounds. Tchana will need to use his defensive lineman frame to keep him out of the paint. Hector Hernandez will need to be able to knock down shots at a high percentage, because Tolliver will have a tough time staying with him. Renato Cesar is still nurturing an injured Achilles tendon.

The aforementioned Tolliver is a force. He averages 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. With a 53.8 overall field goal percentage, Tolliver also leads the Blue Jays in shooting. Tolliver recently missed a triple against league opponent Evansville, scoring 13 points, pulling down 12 rebounds and stealing the ball seven times.

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