It’s been a run of wins for RMU Basketball, now 14-7 (6-4) after a last-second win at Youngstown State. Not only are they on a four-game win streak overall, but the Colonials have also won four straight games on the road. That started a few weeks ago after a 79-71 road win at Oakland.
The Golden Grizzlies (9-12, 6-4) are also on a four-game win streak after beating Horizon League contender Purdue-Fort Wayne. With teams tied for 5th in the standings and just one game back of 2nd, this is a critical matchup for both sides on Saturday. Here are the keys to the Colonials pulling off a season sweep.
1. Battle of the top frontcourts in the Horizon League
Based on how the last few weeks have gone, an argument can be made that the two best frontcourts in the conference will be in this game. In the win over Purdue-Fort Wayne, forwards Tuburu Naivalurua and Allen David Mukeba each had 22 points and combined for 19 points to lead the way. They did well in the first matchup with RMU, combining for 31 points and 16 rebounds, along with 13 of the team’s 20 offensive rebounds.
Alvaro Folguerias and Amarion Dickerson didn’t win the frontcourt matchup in Oakland, but they did enough to stay in the game. They’ve also been very good on the boards, including winning 33-26 at YSU recently. If the Colonials find a way to win the inside battle, they’ll have a great chance at winning.
2. DQ Cole the new x-factor instead of Malcolm Christie
Early on in January, the top guard for Oakland was Christie, who shot 3/14 from deep in 29 minutes in the first game. But his minutes and shot attempts have been limited since, which has helped the Grizzlies. The key guard now is Cole, who averages 10 ppg and has been inconsistent with his production, scoring in two double-digit games in the last four outings but below 10 in the six games prior.
If RMU can limit Oakland’s guards and draw with the bigs, they will have a good shot at winning. The one guard that can go off is Cole, who the Colonials need to defend.
3. Another big game from Kam Woods
The star of the first matchup was Woods, who produced a season-high 29 points on 9/15 FG. He’s been on a great run in the four-game win streak, averaging 14 ppg and 6.5 apg, shooting 8/20 from three-point range.
If Woods goes off again for 20+ points, RMU will beat Oakland. But he’s still capable of having an inefficient and the Grizzlies will be hoping for it. He’s been clutch in the past few weeks, and back at home, Woods could be the hero again to keep them in the win column.