The OUA West CIS/U Sports Men’s Basketball “Road to the Final 8” kicks off tonight with two quarter-final games. Below is a preview of the #5 Brock Badgers at #4 Windsor Lancers.
#5 Brock Badgers – (OUA West 10-12, Playoffs 0-0, Overall 17-21)
#4 Windsor Lancers – (OUA West 15-7, Playoffs 0-0, Overall 20-21)
2011-12 Head-to-Head:
Windsor Lancers 2-0, W 78-57, W @Brock 78-72
How They Stack-Up
The Brock Badgers and the Windsor Lancers spent much of the 2011-12 OUA Men’s Basketball Regular season in the BasketballBuzz Top 25 with both teams cracking the Top 10 on multiple occasions. The two schools played strong preseason and non-conference schedules with each recording key signature victories over top CIS competitions. The Lancers have the mental and home court advantage after defeating the Badgers in their two meetings this season but will be facing a healthier Badgers group that has a respectable 6-4 road record.
BasketballBuzz CIS/U Sports Top 25 Weekly Power Rankings
Brock Badgers
15, 15, 14, 10, 8, 14, 19, 18, 17, 25, NR, NR
Windsor Lancers
7, 6, 5, 16, 14, 9 , 9, 8, 7, 12, 13, 13, 11, 11
Signature victories
Brock Badgers
Acadia Axemen, Laurentian Voyageurs, Dalhousie Tigers
Windsor Lancers
Oakland Golden Grizzlies (NCAA D1), Saskatchewan Huskies, McMaster Maradeurs x 2, Laurier Golden Hawks
Keys To Victory
Brock Badgers – For the Badgers to have success it will come down to how well they clean-up the defensive glass, Windsor features the country’s top rebounder in Lien Phillip (12 per game) and has multiple players averaging over four plus boards per outing. In addition, Brock will need improve their shot selection and floor balance against a team that strives in transition.
Windsor Lancers – The Windsor Lancers have all the necessary tools to make another attempt at a Final 8 appearance, they featured a deep athletic and well balanced roster that can get it done both inside and outside. Head Coach Oliver’s crew will have to deal with the Badgers two experienced point guards in Andrew Kraus and former 200-09 CIS Rookie of the Year, Didi Mukendi, and their ability to beat defenders off the bounce while creating easy opportunities for open teammates.
Who’s Buzzing
Brock Badgers – Andrew Kraus is a senior point guard in his final year which has the experience and ability to change the outcome of game with his natural passing ability and control of the game. He comes into the game averaging 11 points, (third on the team), 5.5 rebounds (second) and 5.2 assists (first).
Windsor Lancers – Lien Phillip is considered a heavy favorite for the OUA West Player of the Year award and has been on a tear averaging 19.5 points and 15.7 rebounds over the final four games.
