In this episode of The WAC Hoops Digest Podcast, Kyle talks with California Baptist head coach Rick Croy. The Lancers are on a seven-game winning streak and face perhaps their toughest opponent of the season on Saturday. New Mexico State comes to town for a showdown which the Lancers won a season ago.
But, CBU has more depth and with Zach Pirog in the middle, a little bit more size than they did a season ago. However, New Mexico State is finally healthy and has its full roster intact. Plus, New Mexico State hasn’t played in a week so they have had more time to prepare.
Croy and CBU will look to star point guard Milan Acquaah to be the floor leader and make plays to help the Lancers pull off another big win. Chris Jans will counter with A.J. Harris and Evan Gilyard to make sure the Aggies get off on the right foot.
California Baptist is on a seven-game win streak. The Lancers have won five straight home games and hold the best record among WAC teams at 10-4 overall. KenPom is projecting the Lancers to finish 11-5 in WAC play, one game behind New Mexico State. The Aggies are projected to finish 12-4 in WAC play.
Some battles to keep an eye on. Ivan Aurrecoechea against Zach Pirog down in the paint. Both have been solid for their respective teams. The guard play will be a huge factor as is mentioned above. The A.J. Harris vs. Milan Acquaah matchup will be a fun one. But, Chris Jans could put Evan Gilyard on Acquaah due to his athleticism and length.
One matchup that many people might not pay attention to but should, is Ferron Flavors Jr. vs. Trevelin Queen. Queen is the preseason WAC Player of the Year. Favors Jr. is having himself a solid season and have been extremely complimentary to Acquaah. Both players can score the ball so this is an intriguing matchup.
Either way, Saturday night in the CBU Events Center should be fun. The game can be seen on ESPN+ and tips off at 8 p.m. MT.
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