The Citadel Bulldogs (7-10) look to end their six-game losing streak when they take on the Furman Paladins (9-9) at McAlister Field House. The game starts at 1:00 pm ET on Saturday, Jan. 16 and will air on ES3.
The Bulldogs lost a winnable game to Wofford 86-83 on Thursday. Quinton Marshall was the best player for the Bulldogs, contributing 19 points, six rebounds, and one steal. The Paladins are coming off a 69-65 loss to Mercer on Thursday. Stephen Croone had a game-high 27 points.
Croone has been on a tear over the last five games for the Paladins, averaging 20.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers.
This game should be a matchup of contrasting styles. The Bulldogs (ranked first in the nation in possessions per game) prefer an up-tempo style of play, while the Paladins (332nd) are more half-court oriented. It could also be a sloppy game for the offense of the Paladins, which ranks 316th in ball security (TO% of 21.3%). They’ll be going up against the gambling defense of the Bulldogs, which forces the 22nd-most turnovers in the nation (22.8%).
Notes
The Furman Paladins have a defensive rating of 95.7 (ranked 48th), while the Citadel Bulldogs have an offensive rating of 108.5 (ranked 111th).
The Citadel Bulldogs average a field goal percentage of 44.2% this season. The Furman Paladins have an underachieving record of 2-6 when opponents have a FG% of 44.2% or greater.
The Citadel Bulldogs and the Furman Paladins both rank higher in average effective field goal percentage when compared to their field goal percentages. Citadel is 171st and 80th in the nation for FG% and eFG% respectively, while Furman is 200th and 140th in these categories.
Ranked 13th in the nation, Citadel has an average of 18.1 assists per game. Furman ranks lower at 212th with 12.9.
The Furman Paladins rank 78th in offensive rebounds. The Citadel Bulldogs rank 330th in the nation in defensive rebounds.
Citadel is one of the best in the country in forcing turnovers, with opponents averaging a TO% of 22.8% (ranked 22nd). Furman is an even 4-4 SU when it has a TO% of 22.8% or greater.
