Elmhurst @ IWU

Confidence is such a big factor in athletics. When IWU and Elmhurst met the first time, the Bluejays were on a 12-game winning streak and riding high. Coming into Saturday's game at the Shirk Center, the Bluejays have lost 3 of their last 4. Meanwhile, IWU is coming off a nice win over North Central and probably feeling very good.

In looking at the 3 recent losses (@ Wheaton, @ Augustana, vs Millikin), it looks like backcourt play has been the problem. Elmhurst's starting guards averaged 7 points per game in the those contests, going a combined 9-32 (.281) from the field and 3-13 (.231) from beyond the arc. Wednesday night vs Millikin, senior point-guard Brian Lee was out of the starting lineup for the first time all year as the Bluejays started Pat Bacon.

The Titans will have to play a lot of zone to contain 6-9/250 Brent Ruch and 6-10/235 Nick Michael, so this one will probably come down to how well Elmhurst perimeter players shoot the ball. Sophomore wing Ryan Burks has been great all season long and may score a lot of points vs the Titans, but Elmhurst will be in trouble if they don't get backcourt production.

The Titans need to finish 5-1 to have a shot at the conference tournament. Elmhurst, now at 5-3, cannot afford to lose another game if they're going to catch Augustana. This sets up a "must win" type atmosphere for both squads. Should be a good one.