NCC @ IWU

Well, here we go. The Titans (6-5) begin conference play this evening as they host the North Central Cardinals (6-5). Here are some matchup notes.

A huge factor in this game is whether or not 6-5 junior low post player Chris Drennan (18.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg) will play. Most indications are that he won't, but on Monday the Daily Herald reported that NCC "hopes to have injured top scorer and rebounder Chris Drennan back for Wednesday's CCIW opener against Illinois Wesleyan." Drennan broke his shooting hand in practice on December 5.

With or without Drennan, tonight's game is all about the Titans - they'll beat the Cardinals if they play well and they'll lose if they don't. Keys:

1) Perimeter defense - can't allow the open looks that most non-conference opponents enjoyed.

2) Guard play - the Titans need good, solid games from freshmen Travis Rosenkranz and Sean Johnson in their first CCIW contest. Both need to be aggressive and look to score...and both need to minimize turnovers.

3) Feed the post - Darius Gant, Brett Chamernik, and Doug Sexauer should have plenty of opportunities to score vs an undersized NCC team. The offense needs to go through the big guys first.

4) 40 minutes of intensity - no lulls...time to get after it from opening tip to final buzzer.


Looking forward to seeing a large, charged-up Shirk Center crowd. Need to get this one.

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