Here we go again…
Alright folks, let’s make this one quick. The North Carolina Central Eagles are bad bad. They’re 351st in Kenpom, out of 365 teams in division 1 basketball. This game was theoretically decided when it was scheduled, so anything other than a demolition by the hands of the Nittany Lions should be a cause for concern —well, more concern than we should have after what Pitt did to them a week ago.
So, let’s not belabor the point and enjoy an easy cruise to victory as the Big Ten gauntlet picks back up at the turn of the year.
Scouting the Opposition
NC Central does have Penn State’s kryptonite on its roster, in the form of two players shooting above 30 percent from three in Gage Lattimore and Jae Slack. Their respective 33 and 36 percent rate will translate to 63 and 66 percent when adjusted for “shooting against Penn State’s defense” inflation. The question is whether Tekao Carpenter’s 30.8 percent will also get the “Penn State” bump, allowing him to have a career night from beyond the arc too!
What to watch for
Sense a theme? – How well will a team that’s atrocious from three shoot against the Nittany Lions? Everyone has a career night when they face Penn State, so why should today be any different?
That’s it – NC Central is so bad that the only takeaway is whether the team has addressed its most glaring weakness.
Prediction
If it’s not at least a 30-point blowout, they might not win another game. Penn State 78, NC Central 46
YAY HOOPS
Use this as your open thread for the game. You know the drill. No illegal streams, no NSFW content, and be nice!
Here’s to a pleasant victory.
Category: General Sports
