Al Walker’s squad showed Sunday afternoon how dangerous it could be when its offense and defense click in the same game.
The Binghamton men’s basketball team hopes to maintain that combination of lockdown defense, fast-breaking and easy shots tomorrow night when the University of New Hampshire comes to town.
While UNH lost at home to the Bearcats earlier in the year 62-49, the Bearcats know it won’t be that easy this time around.
“They are a much, much better team,” Walker said. “We have to be ready to play.”
The Wildcats (9-13, 6-5 AE) sit in third place in the conference right behind Binghamton (10-11, 7-3 AE). Since that loss to the Bearcats, UNH has won seven out of their last nine games, including impressive wins at Albany in overtime and at home against Boston.
UNH is led by junior 6-foot-8 forward Blagjov Janev, who is averaging 14.6 points per game. He’ll create matchup problems with the Bearcats because he can post up down low and step out behind the arc. Janev is shooting 41.2 percent from three-point range, which is second in the America East, behind teammate sophomore guard Chris Vetrano’s 43.6 percent.
But something has to give. While UNH is second in the conference in three-point field goal percentage, BU is second in three-point field goal defense.
“We have to be great defensively,” said sophomore guard Mike Gordon. “At any given time, shots can stop falling.”
In the end, this game could be decided by free throws, where UNH holds a slight edge over the Bearcats. The Wildcats lead the conference with 77.8 percent from the line, while Binghamton sits at second with 71.6 percent.
Expect a tight, physical game with huge playoff implications. A win would help the Bearcats solidify one of the top two spots in the America East, while still giving them a chance to catch Albany at the top.