George Washington returns to action for the first time since January 17th. In that contest, the Colonials fell to Dayton 67-54. Sophomore guard James Bishop scored a team high 17 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds on 5-16 shooting from the field, while junior forward Ricky Lindo had an efficient night, posting 13 points and 8 rebounds on 5-9 shooting from the field.
Rhode Island comes into Sunday's contest fresh off a 91-89 double overtime win over Dayton. Rams senior point guard Fatts Russell led the way with 20 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals, freshman guard Ishmael Leggett and senior guard Jeremy Sheppard added 18 and 17 points on a combined 13-20 shooting from the field respectively. Forward Antwan Walker and sophomore center Makhel Mitchell combined for 26 points and 22 rebounds in the victory.
Key Match-ups:
James Bishop vs Fatts Russell
Matt Moyer vs Antwan Walker
Chase Paar vs Makhel Mtchell
Tyler Brelsford vs Ishmael Leggett
Jamison Battle vs Jeremy Sheppard
Keep an eye on:
Lead Guard Battle: between James Bishop and Fatts Russell. Both are dynamic guards in their own unique way. Bishop is a scoring machine who can make shots from all three levels and has improved throughout the season as a playmaker. He's also very crafty at drawing fouls. When Bishop has everything clicking, he's a triple double threat. Russell is small in stature at 5'10, but his heart is as big as Shaq. Russell is a blur on the court, utilizing his speed and quickness to disrupt teams on both ends. He can score from all three levels, especially in the open floor where he's most dangerous, make his teammates better and is a pest defensively. Controlling pace and limiting turnovers will go a long towards who walks off the floor victorious. Lastly keep an eye out for impact freshman on both sides in GW's Tyler Brelsford and Rhode Island Ishmael Leggett. Both are local products that are finding their way for their respective teams.
Who Owns The Paint: will be especially fun to watch due to the talent in the front court. GW has a strong nucleus up front with Matt Moyer, Ricky Lindo Jr and Chase Paar. Moyer is averaging a near double double with 10.1 points and 9.6 rebounds, Lindo Jr who just joined the team in the second half of the season, averages 13 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals while Chase Paar adds averages of 6.4 points and 5.8 rebounds.
Rhode Island brings to town an athletic, rugged front line with 6'10 sophomore center Makhel Mitchell, forward Antwan Walker and 6'8 junior Jermaine Harris. Mitchell averages 9.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks a game. Walker averages 9.1 points and 6.6 rebounds on the season and the capable Harris adds a 3.8 points and 3 rebounds season average. Its not rocket science, whichever teams front court imposes their will inside on both ends will walk out the Smith Center victorious.
