THIS WEEK IN GRIFFON MEN'S BASKETBALL
Saturday, Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. vs.
#2 Northwest Missouri (16-0, 6-0 MIAA)
ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western (8-9, 2-4 MIAA) welcomes undefeated Northwest Missouri to the MWSU Fieldhouse in a Saturday night rivalry matchup. Saturday's game will be the last of the Griffons' three-game home stand.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
- Saturday's point guard matchup showcases two of the top freshmen in the MIAA. Northwest Missouri's Trevor Hudgins is scoring 18 points per game and leads the MIAA with six assists per game. For the Griffons, Tyrell Carroll is averaging 14.6 points and 4.5 assists per game since taking over as the starter eight games into the season.
- If any team can slow down the Bearcats three-point shooting attack, it may be the Griffons. Missouri Western leads the MIAA, allowing only 5.9 made three's per game. Meanwhile, Northwest Missouri leads the nation in three-point field-goal percentage and makes over 12 three's per game.
- Bryan Hudson enters Saturday playing some of the best offensive basketball of his career, averaging 20 points over his last four games. Hudson set a career-high with 23 points against Washburn on Jan. 9 before topping that with a 28-point performance in his next game against Emporia State.
- A win would give the Griffons their first victory over a ranked opponent since Dec. 7, 2013 when the Griffons topped No. 15 Fort Hays State 82-79 in overtime at the MWSU Fieldhouse.
- The Missouri Western offense seems to have improved as the season progresses. The Griffons are averaging 83 points per game over their last six games.
MISSOURI WESTERN NOTES
- Lavon Hightower leads the Griffons with 19 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
- Missouri Western is 1-5 at home this season compared to 4-2 on the road.
- Tyus Millhollin is the Griffons' main perimeter threat, making 2.4 three's per game.
- Griffon opponents are shooting 44 percent from the floor this season.
SCOUTING THE BEARCATS
- The Bearcats are winning games by an average of 25 points per game.
- Joey Witthus leads the team with 19.6 points per game.
- 45 percent of the Bearcats' offensive shots are three-point attempts.
- The Bearcats limit turnovers better than anyone in the conference at fewer than eight turnovers per game.
