Wednesday 10 January 2007

Wednesday, Jan. 10th/07: OUA West Game Previews

Three games tonight in the CIS, all in the OUA West (see below for previews).

UBC's bid to become a member of the NCAA may soon be a reality Howard Tsumura, CanWest News Service, reports that on Monday, at its annual general convention in Orlando, the NCAA's executive committee approved a 10-year pilot program to accept a handful of international schools into its ranks. The story quotes an NCAA spokesperson alluding to the possibility that international membership legislation will be on the floor this time next year. UBC hosted the NCAA at its Point Grey campus in early December, 2005. Article from National Post by Howard Tsumura

Larry Moko of the Hamilton Spectator writes about one of the tallest-ever McMaster Marauders, freshman Geoff McLaughlin McLaughlin Article

The Abbotsford News recounts UCFV's crazy victory over Regina this past weekend UCFV breaks losing streak

OUA West Game Previews for Wednesday, January 10th, 2007:

8:00 pm Guelph (5-4) at Laurier (3-6) The Gryphs are basically back at full strength after suffering through an injury-plagued first half. Guelph has a high probability of success when they defend and make shots. Last Saturday's game against Western seemed to address the defence as they held the Mustangs to under 30% shooting, even going to zones on occasion. However, throw out newcomer Borko Popic's 6 for 7 performance from the floor and Guelph would have shot under 30% themselves. Getting more shots for Popic and better shooting efforts from third-year point guard Nick Pankerichan and sophomore swingman Jay Mott would go a long way in addressing Gryphs current offensive woes. The Golden Hawks had a chance for a key home win on Saturday but blew a late lead to Windsor and will need to start winning some of these home games to position themselves for a playoff contention. The Hawks saw a glipse of what could be a bright future as three freshman had solid games against Windsor: 6'5" Justin Golob (ST. Catherines, ON) and 6'6" Evan Eliason (Guelph, ON) had 15 points each while 6'8" post Andrew Pennycook (Toronto, ON) impressed at the defensive end with 6 blocks to go along with 6 boards. Trevor Csima (6'7" post, 4th yr., Oakville, ON), who missed last season, had the first double-double of his career with 13 points and a team-leading 10 rebounds.

8:00 pm Brock (5-4) at Western (4-5) The Badgers were a couple of missed defensive rebounds away from a big win at home against McMaster on Saturday, which highlighted how important a contribution from one of their young big men is to their success. Fourth-year point guard Brad Rootes had another signature game for Brock while Chris Keith was also tremendous from inside and out. The Badgers will need to get more from forward Mike Kemp, who suffered through a 1-10 shooting effort against Mac. The Badgers are as good a three point shooting threat as there is in the nation but, as Saturday proved, one or more of their big guys needs to step up on the defensive end including on the glass. The Mustangs had their troubles offensively at Guelph but are playing much better at home this season. Look for Western to try to get 6'7" Adam Ruickbie, 6'6" Brad Smith and possibly 6'8" Alan Paron more involved offensively while the Matt Curtis vs. Brad Rootes point guard matchup is appealing. Expect the Badgers to use Kemp on Western's 6'5" freshman Andrew Wedemire. NOTE: This game will be broadcast LIVE! by 94.9 CHRW Western Campus radio. LIVE! broadcast of Brock at Western

8:00 pm Waterloo (5-5) at Windsor (7-2) The Warriors are 2-2 on the road in league play thus far with wins at RMC and at Laurentian but the St. Denis Center presents the Warriors with a difficult first road game of the second half. Fifth-year forward Michael Davis had a big 19 point effort on Saturday as part of sweeping winless Lakehead but Davis will have to battle the deep, long and aggressive Lancer front line. Veteran Matt Kieswetter leads Waterloo with 13.1 ppg. The Lancers can solidify their hold on one of two first-round playoff byes with a home victory and will have to remain patient defensively as the Warriors run their usual precision sets. Look for the Lancers to defend the perimeter hard and minimize the number of double downs in the post, forcing Warrior guards to use the dribble drive to create rather than playing off the post. A Waterloo victory would be considered a major upset in my opinion.

OUA West Standings as of Tues., Jan. 8th, 2007

Windsor 7-2
Brock 5-4
Guelph 5-4
Waterloo 5-5
McMaster 4-5
Western 4-5
Laurier 3-6
Lakehead 0-10

OUA West Leading Scorers
1. Martin Ajayi - McMaster 20.9
2. Warren Thomas - Lakehead 19.2
3. Kevin Kloostra - Windsor 18.2
4. Osvaldo Jeanty - Carleton 18.1
5. Brad Rootes - Brock 17.8
6. Matthew Walker - Laurier 17.8
7. Greg Surmacz - Windsor 15.2
8. Chris Keith - Brock 14.7
9. Andrew Wedemire - Western 14.2
10. JR Bailey - Guelph 14.1

OUA West Leading Rebounders
1 Greg Surmacz - Windsor 11.3
2 JR Bailey - Guelph 7.9
3 Matthew Walker - Laurier 7.6
4 Adam Steiner - McMaster 7.2
5 Greg Allin - Windsor 6.7
6 Chris Keith - Brock 6.6
7 Warren Thomas - Lakehead 6.5
8 Michael Davis - Waterloo 5.9
9 Aron Bariagabre - Guelph 5.8

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