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WNBAEastern Michigan (2-1) At Missouri State (3-0)
GAME NOTES: The Missouri State Bears will try to remain perfect on the season when they battle the Eastern Michigan Eagles for the first-time ever at the JQH Arena, as part of the Hispanic College Fund Classic.
The Eagles have opened their season with two wins in their first three games. The most recent victory was a convincing, 76-51 decision over Maryland-Eastern Shore on Saturday. After this contest the Eagles will remain on the road to battle Southeast Missouri State before returning home for two straight contests.
As for the Bears, they have won all three of their games this season, and have done so in convincing fashion by defeating all three opponents by double figures. Yesterday, Missouri State clobbered The Citadel, 72-55. It was the third straight home victory for the Bears, who finished just 9-8 on their home floor a year ago.
With the exception of connecting on just 54.5 percent of their attempts from the foul line, the Eagles put forth a solid showing against Maryland-Eastern Shore, as the team shot 50.0 percent from the floor and also made 8-of-20 shots from behind the arc. Justin Dobbins led the way with 19 points in the win, while Brandon Bowdry contributed 14 points, to go along with eight rebounds. Bowdry and Dobbins have been the top two toughest players for EMU, as Bowdry is averaging 18.0 ppg, to go along with 10 rpg. As for Dobbins, he is posting 14.0 ppg, while shooting an eye-popping 65.5 percent from the floor. Jay Higgins also enjoyed some success against UMES, as the guard posted 11 points in the win. After three games the Eagles are netting 71.0 ppg.
The Bears' strong start can be attributed to the team's stingy performance defensively, as Missouri State is holding opponents to just 56.7 ppg, behind a mere 39.7 percent shooting effort. On top of the solid play defensively, the Bears have also averaged 71.7 ppg. Kyle Weems is leading the team with 17.3 ppg, and is also collecting 6.7 rpg. Adam Leonard is contributing 10.3 ppg, while Jermaine Mallett is posting just 6.7 ppg, but is leading the team with 7.0 rpg. The Bears held the Bulldogs to just 55 points on a 40.0 percent shooting effort. Offensively the Bears were once again paced by Weems, who scored 23 points, and pulled down six rebounds. Caleb Patterson added 13 points off the bench, while Nafis Ricks chipped in with 10 points.
The Bears have done an outstanding job defensively, and should continue to do so against an Eastern Michigan team that has been ineffective at times on the floor.
Predicted OutcomeMissouri State 71, Eastern Michigan 63Copyright 2009 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
