Game of the Night – Coppin State 78, Oregon State 73
Craig Robinson has had a string of weird nonconference results, and this is the latest installment as Coppin State, picked 9th in the MEAC by the coaches, picked up the MEAC's second nonconference win over a power conference team in just the last 91 games. It also continues a stretch of weird losses by Oregon State, as examined here by Matt Norlander. Coppin State shot 10-25 from behind the arc, whereas the Beavers made just 39% of their shots from the field. Roberto Nelson had 36 for the Beavers in the loss, and it seems that thanks to the new rules we are going to get a new guy going for 30+ every night. Speaking of the new rules, the teams combined to commit 41 fouls and attempt 55 free throws
Game of the Night – Colorado State at Gonzana – 9:00 PM (Spokane, WA)
If Colton Iverson were still eligible for Colorado State, the Rams would have a real shot to get the win, even in Washington. As it is, the Rams could still be one of the better rebounding teams in the country this year, even though they replace all five of their starters. (even if it will be nearly impossible for them to match being ranked 2nd nationally in offensive rebounding and 1st in defensive rebounding last year) as Larry Eustachy has consistently had good rebounding teams these last few seasons.
As for Gonzaga, they'll enter the post Kelly Olynyk era led by another Canadian, Kevin Pangos. Pangos shot 42% from three last year and had a turnover rate just over 15%. He'll need to get better at distributing (and hopefully at shooting from 2) but he and Gary Bell form one of the better backcourts in the West and it should be enough for the Zags to handle the Rams at home.
