Coming off a 19-point second-half comeback to beat Towson, RMU Basketball (7-5, 0-2) is looking to end the non-conference campaign with a win against Saint Francis, their rival from back in the NEC days. They've been competitive in the past but lately, it's been a one-way sereis, with RMU winning the last six games.
Can the Colonials make it seven straight on Saturday? Here are some keys to victory.
1. Biggest defensive priority on Saint Francis?
Assuming guard Aaron Talbert doesn’t return for this game, the lone double-digit scorer on the team is Bobby Rosenberger, averaging 12.4 ppg. There’s plenty of depth on this roster but no real star, which means RMU needs to be ready for all five players on the court. Jeremy Clayville (9.7 ppg in 20 mpg) is their most important player off the bench, who leads them with 43% shooting from deep. Forward Valentino Pinedo is back from injury and gives them some size for a fairly small team.
2. Dominant frontcourt game from Folgueiras and Dickerson
Even with Pinedo around, Saint Francis’ frontcourt will mostly consist of 6’7 and 6’8 forwards, while RMU has plenty of depth inside. Alvaro Folgueiras is averaging a double-double during the season and has a couple of 20+ point games, but he has also been inconsistent at times. Meanwhile, Amaron Dickerson is coming off an 18-point game against Towson and could wreak havoc on both ends. If RMU wins inside, they can handle the Flash having an edge on the perimeter.
3. Efficient game from Kam Woods
Woods was the last game's hero, making the game-winning shot for RMU. He finished with 12 points and four assists on 5/12 FG and overcame a rough start to the game. Woods can go off and score 20+ points, but he can also have bad games.
On the season, the senior guard is shooting 35% from the field, 19% from deep and 52% from the FT line, which is awful for a guard. For RMU to reach its ceiling and win games in league play, they need Woods at his best. But if his offensive numbers continue to be this rough, they’ll need to rely more on DJ Smith as a lead guard to smooth out the offense.