Hoops look: Troy at Utah Valley State
November 20, 2007
What: Troy (1-1) at Utah Valley State (1-2)
When: 8 p.m. CST Nov. 20
Where: McKay Center (8,500), Orem, Utah
Last time out: Troy got 44 points from Justin Jonus and beat Paul Quinn, an NAIA school, 133-131 in overtime. The Wolverines won at Arkansas State six days ago 67-63
Probable starting lineups
TROY
G-Jerome Odem (6’1, 160, Sr.) - 1.0 ppg, 3.5 apg
G-O’Darien Bassett (6’2, 190, Sr.) - 20.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.5 apg
F-Justin Jonus (6’6, 221, Sr.) - 29.5 ppg
F-Trayce Macon (6’8, 191, Soph.) - 17.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg
C-Tom Jervis (7’0, 230, Jr.) - 11 ppg, 9 rpg
UTAH VALLEY STATE (weights were not available, but ages were)
G-Ryan Toolson (6’3, N/A, Jr., 22 years old) 23 ppg
G-Josh Olson (6’1, N/A, Jr., 23 years old) 4 ppg
FJordan Brady (6’6, N/A, Sr., 24 years old) 11.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg
F-Richard Troyer (6’5, N/A, Sr., 24 years old) 10.7 ppg, 6 rpg
C-Joe Walker (6’8, N/A, Sr., 26 years old) 5 ppg, 8 rpg
What to watch for: Troy’s Jarvis Acker did not make the trip and is scheduled to meet with Troy compliance officers Tuesday to determine his eligibilty. The senior, who would be the starting center, has been held out as an academic issue is being cleared up. Tom Jervis is expected to start for the third straight game. The Wolverines are 1-2, but lost by one at Boise State and 11 to No. 13 Marquette. It’s the home opener for UVSU, a team made up of mostly Mormons who have spent two-year missions. Check the ages of the players above - it’s a bunch of men going against a bunch of 19 and 20-year-olds for Troy. UVSU was 22-7 last season and will provide a very strong test for the Trojans, and actually come to Troy on Jan. 5.
Player to watch, Troy: Mike Vogler. The sophomore JUCO transfer isn’t listed as a starter, but is starting to take over more of Jerome Odem‘s minutes at the point guard position. Vogler has a nice shot and looks to be really in control of the offense.
Player to watch, Utah Valley State: Ryan Toolson. The 22-year-old junior is the leading scorer and scored 29 points against Boise State to open the year and 20 at Arkansas State.
Troy will win if: The Trojans can survive the change in atmosphere (altitude, etc.) and hit some shots. They also can’t get pushed around by the older Wolverines.
UVSU will win if: the Wolverines play well at home - meaning they rebound well and get some hands in the face of the 3-point shots.
Drew’s prediction: Utah Valley State 83, Troy 72
