Trojans Looking to Even the Season Series with Bruins: Game Preview – Dakota State vs Bellevue
The Trojan Men’s Basketball team (15-9 overall, 5-3 NSAA) returns home looking for revenge against the Bellevue Bruins.
Bellevue
The Bruins (10-14 overall, 5-3 NSAA) are beginning to put things together late in the season. They’ve won four of their last five games, though only one of those wins was on the road. They are very much a homecourt team.
Real teams that pose a threat anywhere must have the ability to win on the road and on neutral turf. Bellevue relies on crowd energy and home support. They’re a totally different team on the road. They shoot just 39.4% from the field on the road and only 32.3% from deep.
They’re led in scoring by TJ Fritz who averages 14.1 points per game. Last time out, Fritz gave the Trojans the business. Putting up 22 points off the bench and four made threes. Following him in scoring average on the year is a pair of teammates – Jerome Bynum (11) and Nigel Wilson (10).
Dakota State
Dakota State is led in scoring by Mison Coilton who averages 14 points per game. Though the Trojans will be without Coilton in this second matchup with the Bruins due to being ejected from their last game against Waldorf. Emmanuel Akpan is the other lone double figure scorer on the team at 10 points per game.
Last time these teams met it was a battle til the final seconds and a game-winning basket was just seconds late by DSU and they were unable to claim the win. The Bruins lit things up early, which is where Fritz did most of his damage. They play inside out well once the shots are falling. The Trojans will need to limit that outside offense which has been a problem for them to contain as of late.
This group came into last weekend the leader in 3-pt percentage, but struggled and had season-lows in 3-pt makes (3) and 3P% (17.6). A rough going for DSU lately in other departments as well. Those being assists with a season-low seven assists last game and a season-low 21 rebounds. Just as this team was ramping up, it slipped off the tracks a bit. They’ll need to regather themselves quickly as Bellevue is looking to sweep the season series.
Tipoff is set for 7:30pm with the pregame beginning at 7:15pm following the women’s game on Jammin Country 103.
