The Sun Belt’s top team will be on the road when the Little Rock Trojans (27-3) head to Holmes Convocation Center to face the Appalachian State Mountaineers (7-22). Action begins at 7:30 pm ET on Thursday, Mar. 3 and can be seen on ES3.
The Mountaineers are hoping to rebound after their 83-70 loss to Georgia State in their last matchup. Jacob Lawson had a good outing, recording 15 points, five rebounds, and one steal for Appalachian State. The Trojans, meanwhile, are coming off an 89-80 win against Arkansas State in their last game. Roger Woods led the game in scoring by accounting for 30 points on 11-for-15 shooting.
The Mountaineers might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they face off against one of the nation’s best defenses. The Trojans rank fifth in defensive efficiency, while Appalachian State ranks 278th in offensive efficiency. Furthermore, the defense of the Trojans should have an advantage in terms of eFG%. They’re 12th in the nation in forcing misses (opponents’ eFG% of 44.5%), while the offense of the Mountaineers ranks 294th in eFG% (47.2%).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Trojans winning the first matchup 81-55. Woods had a stellar game with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and one three-pointer.
Notes
The Little Rock Trojans have a defensive rating of 92.8 (ranked fifth), while the Appalachian State Mountaineers have an offensive rating of 100.3 (ranked 278th).
Appalachian State averages 70.1 possessions per game, scoring 1.003 points on each possession. While Little Rock averages fewer possessions per game with 64.5, they score more points per possession with 1.103.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers average an effective field goal percentage of 47.2% this season. The Little Rock Trojans have a superb 8-2 record in games where opponents have an eFG% of 47.2% or greater.
On average, Appalachian State attempts 23.0 three pointers and Little Rock attempts 19.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Appalachian State Mountaineers have a 5-17 record while the Little Rock Trojans have a tremendous 13-3 record.
Appalachian State ranks 49th in offensive rebounding. Little Rock ranks 225th in defensive rebounding.
The Little Rock defense has forced an average TO% of 21.7% this season (ranked 19th). In games where it gives up a TO% of 22% or greater, Appalachian State has a losing 4-9 record.
