Matchup

The Bobcats have a big circle on their schedule for Saturday at Glenville State. Besides the two teams being long-time rivals, the Pioneers are tied with Wesleyan in the Mountain East Conference standings. Going into the game on Saturday, both squads are 5-4 in the MEC. Even though they share a similar record, the two have had very different seasons regarding home/road splits that will add intrigue to this one. Wesleyan has played stronger on the road this season in the MEC at 3-1, with wins at Frostburg State, West Liberty, and Notre Dame. Opposing that fact, the Pioneers have been a much better team at home so far this year, holding a 3-1 record in conference games at the Waco Center. However, Glenville is playing their worst basketball of the season coming into Saturday, having lost their last five games overall.

Key Statistics

Wesleyan and Glenville are virtually shooting the same percentages from the field (46.4%, 46.0%) and from behind the three point line (35.8%, 35.9%) this season, respectively.
Glenville's Phil Bledsoe leads the MEC in scoring (23.3 ppg).
Bledsoe and Dusan Vicentic are second and third in rebounding (9.7, 8.5), respectively.
Glenville's Ty Robinson leads the MEC in blocks (2.1 bpg)

Storylines

At the heart of this matchup is the fact that Glenville loves to "run and gun," and Wesleyan likes to slow down the pace and control possession. The keys to a Wesleyan victory seem to start with finding a way to control Phil Bledsoe, which will be difficult without Ross Young available. The Bobcats' Forward will likely only miss Saturday's game after hurting an ankle at practice Tuesday, and should be back for Wednesday at home vs. Frostburg State. Coach Nick Patella will likely have to guard Bledsoe "by committee." However, besides Bledsoe, the Pioneers do lack quality size, which is an opportunity for the Bobcats to slow the pace of the game down with Dusan Vicentic on the block. Daylin Lee is also a key factor in this one, as he has shown the ability to step up as not just a secondary scorer, but a lead one. If Glenville keeps the game moving quick, Lee is capable of getting double-digit points in a hurry. With a win, Wesleyan could bury a team that is sliding downward in the standings, and keep moving themselves back up. 

Players to Watch - West Virginia Wesleyan

Dusan Vicentic (15.5 pts, 8.5 reb)
Daylin Lee (13.8 ppg, 44.4 3pt%)

Players to Watch - Glenville State

Phil Bledsoe (23.3 ppg, 9.7 reb, 3.1 3pt per game)
Noah Frampton (10.7 ppg, 41.1 3pt%)