Hoops look: Paul Quinn at Troy

November 13, 2007

Drew Champlin

What: Paul Quinn College (2-2) at Troy (0-1)
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 14
Where: Trojan Arena
Last time out: Troy fell to Alabama 84-72. Paul Quinn, an NAIA school, beat Southern-Baton Rouge, a Division I-A, 84-81 at a tournament in Dallas

Probable starting lineups
TROY (0-1)
G-Jerome Odem (6’1, 160, Sr.) - 2 pts, 2 ast vs. Alabama
G-O’Darien Bassett (6’2, 190, Sr.) - 17 pts vs. Alabama
F-Justin Jonus (6’6, 221, Sr.) - 15 pts vs. Alabama, 2-10 3pt
F-Trayce Macon (6’8, 191, Soph.) - 13 pts vs. Alabama, 3-12 3pt
C-Tom Jervis (7’0, 230, Jr.) - 8 pts, 6 reb vs. Alabama

PAUL QUINN (2-2)
G-Damien Chishlom (6’2, 190, Jr.) 22 ppg
G-Jazz Henderson (6’4, 200, Jr.) 20.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg
G-Demontre Rutledge (6’4, 175, Jr.) 7 ppg
F-Cedric Brooks (6’3, 205, Jr.) 13 ppg, 6.4 rpg
F-Larry Ivey (6’7, 215, Jr.) 10.75 ppg

Here is a link to a Paul Quinn roster and stats.

What to watch for: Paul Quinn is an NAIA school in Dallas. The program boasts a win over Southern but fell to Alabama State in a tournament at SMU. Paul Quinn is a small, coeducational, liberal arts institution affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Look for Troy to force the issue with its full-court press and this should be a very high-scoring game. At this time, Troy forward Jarvis Acker has not been cleared by Troy’s compliance department to play yet. He could be, though, between the posting of this and game time.

Player to watch, Troy: Bernard Toombs. The sophomore forward is Troy’s most improved player and with the uncertain status of Jarvis Acker, he will continue to get increased opportunities.

Player to watch, Paul Quinn: Jazz Henderson. This guy looks like he’s Paul Quinn’s best player.

Troy will win if: They force turnovers with the press early and turn them into easy buckets.

Paul Quinn will win if: Why think of reasons Paul Quinn can win when you just need to look at this box score from four years ago.

Drew’s prediction: Troy 104, Paul Quinn 78

Basketball note

Drew Champlin

Senior forward Jarvis Acker, a projected starter on this year’s hoops team, still has not been cleared by Troy University compliance. Apparently, the issue stems over a grade in a previous class.

Head coach Don Maestri is frustrated over the issue, obviously, but is hoping he’ll be cleared for Wednesday night’s home opener against Paul Quinn College. If he can’t go, Tom Jervis will continue to start.

Acker, 6’6 and 210 pounds, is an important part of Troy’s attack with his long arms and intensity. He’s also got a sweet stroke, too, so the Trojans need him.

Tuesday links

Drew Champlin

From me, the Tuesday notebook leading with Omar Haugabook’s injuries. The story’s overdone, but news is news.

From the Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro, MTSU has some QB problems. Well, not really, seeing as both QBs rank at the top in passing effiency in the Sun Belt, but a QB switch to an unhealthy QB contributed to the loss vs. ULL Saturday. Here also is a Sun Belt notebook.

Monday chatter

November 12, 2007

Drew Champlin

The word “oblique” is now being mentioned with Omar Haugabook’s injury vs. WKU, so it’s safe to go around telling people he has a strained oblique. It happened when he threw an out pattern left to Mykeal Terry. He said he felt something before he went in on that series, but it caused him so much pain after that throw that he was on the ground and out.

He said it’s getting better but he’s had a hard time sleeping the past few nights because the condition won’t allow him to sleep the way he wants, but he anticipates with rest he will be fine for next week.

Tomorrow’s story will have stuff from coaches and Omar on his condition the past few weeks and how it’s made the team different.

Got some good stuff lined up prior to gameday on Tyler Clark, a walk-on true freshman who is now a starter and Fred Turner, a guy that makes everything happen on special teams, as well as some rememberance of last year’s game.

Also if you were going to the hoops game vs. Paul Quinn, remember that it’s WEDNESDAY night and not tonight.

Monday links

Drew Champlin

From the Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro, Middle Tennesse is playing for pride following its upset loss to UL-Lafayette over the weekend.