Stringmsuic12

I believe the Ref's are from the MAC so you will probably see them again.

The Austin Peay broadcaster said the attendance looks better than expected although there are still probably more empty seats than full. The students are on break and the forecast is calling for snow. The Governors are doing a much better job on the defensive boards against the Zips this year and, surprisingly, Brandon Harriford and Thomas Janusaskus are seeing some playing time. Govs up 29-27 at the half and had three straight opportunities to extend a lead but did not. Still, I get the feeling the Zips could mount a good run and establish a sizeable lead. The Govs, however, have been a pretty good second half team. Should be a good second half.

Starting at the PG position will be Derek (DJ) Wright. "The Blur" is a very small Guard but quite quick. Not sure if Sophomore Wes Channels will start but he may present a problem for the Zips as he has really blossomed this year and has been a problem for most teams the Govs have faced including Memphis. Sometimes Kyle Duncan starts but whereas he is not the offensive threat of Channels, he is the better perimeter defender so it depends on where Coach Loos wants to place emphasis at the beginning of the game. I think the starters for the Govs tonight will be Reed, Lockett, Wright, Babbington and Channels.

Indeed, size inside has been a problem for the Govs and it was a HUGE problem for them last year at Akron. The combination of Wood and Travis was murder on the Govs. This has been a point of focus in this weeks practicing for the Peay. Also, last year the Govs could not get much done offensively on the inside and the threes which might have loosened the middle a little simply were not falling. Neither the Governors nor the Zips have been able to practice in the Dunn Center/Dave Aaron Arena due to the University's graduation exercises. Both teams practiced in the Foy Center on Friday which is the new student Recreation facility. Interestingly, the Govs athletic Department had to pay for the teams to practice there. The crowd will be small tonight due to two factors mainly; The students are now on holiday break and there is also snow in the forecast (or freezing rain). The Govs usually play very tough at home so I expect a good game. That Travis is gone is good news for the Govs but the Zips still present a problem for the Govs inside so I don't know how they are going to reverse the result of last year as the Zips dominated the boards and scored mucho easy baskets. I do expect, however, the Govs three ball to fall tonight and if it is not then the Govs are in for a long night. Take away double teams on Reed and Lockett down low and the Govs can probably find some production inside if they can go one on one.