SU at Harvard
Seattle U (2-3) at Harvard (7-0, 0-0 Ivy)
Worthington Arena (Bozeman, MT)
Sunday December 4, 2011 11:00 am
RADIO: 710 ESPN Seattle
Series- Harvard 1-0
Last Meeting- 1/2/10- Harvard 92-71
Scouting Harvard:
Tommy Amaker has guided Harvard to heights never seen in their long history of basketball. The 5th year coach has led the Crimson to back to back 20 win seasons and their first ever Ivy league title a year ago. Harvard had to split the title with Princeton a year ago and lost the invitation to the NCAA tournament at the buzzer in a one game playoff with Princeton. It was a stinging defeat for a program that has been to the NCAA Tournament just one time- 1946. Harvard is on a mission to get to The Dance this year. They return 13 players and all 5 starters from a year ago. Amaker is back as well after flirting with Miami in the offseason. This experienced crew has ripped off 7 wins in a row to start their season which is the best start from an Ivy school since the 1997-98 Princeton team who also happed to beat UNLV in round 1 of the NCAA Tournament. Harvard has already knocked off Utah, Central Florida and #20 Florida State. It was just the second time in their history that Crimson brought down a ranked team. They have won 18 home games in a row, but they have only appeared on their home floor one time. They are 14th in RPI which is their highest ever and if they can stay undefeated through the week there is a great chance they will be a Top-25 team when the next poll is released.
The Ones to Watch:
Keith Wright- 6’8 240 SR F- 12 ppg 7 rbds 0 assts
Wright was the IVY Player of the Year a year ago- 15 points and 8 rebounds a game. He is a force around the basket- shooting 63% from the field which is 15th best in the country. He hurt Seattle U two years ago with 16 points. He will cause as many problems for foes offensively as defensively.
Kyle Casey- 6’7 225 JR F- 11 ppg 5.5 rbds
If Wright does not repeat as IVY POY it may be because his teammate will take the honor. Casey in an explosive athlete who finished 2nd team Ivy a year ago. He torched Seattle U for 19 points two years ago as well. He shoots above 50% from the floor and teams with Wright to from a dynamic duo up front for the Crimson.
Keys to the Game:
1- Hit the 3- SU will have to shoot it well to take down Harvard and they must hit from distance. They are just 28% from 3 on the year.
2- Wallace and Trent- They will have their hands full with the duo of Wright and Casey, but they need to keep them out of paint and off the glass.
3- Keep Rivard quiet- Laurent Rivard is instant offense off the bench for the Crimson averaging 9.5 points per game and shooting 40% from 3. SU can not let him change the game.
Numbers to Know:
- 52- The number of points Harvard gives up a game which is 9th best in the country.
- 13.7- The Crimson scoring margin this year.
- 9.6- The number of rebounds Eric Wallace is averaging a game.
Seattle U looks for the upset today- tune in at 11:00 on 710 ESPN Seattle.
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