December 29, 2007, 7:05 p.m. (PST)
This is the return game for last year's Bracket Buster match-up (which UCSB lost 71-70). This is also UCSB's final non-conference game (until the Bracket Buster match-up on February 23, 2008). If you'll recall last year's match-up, EWU was led by Rodney Stuckey and his 30 points.
Yes, that's the same Rodney Stuckey who was drafted in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons with pick #15. I took a look at last years box score (see link below) and noticed that EWU doesn't have many players on this year's squad who contributed in the UCSB game.
http://ucsbgauchos.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2006-2007/ucsbmb23.html
However, Gaucho Nation, don't be lulled into a false sense of security by the Eagles 6-8 record. The boys from EWU have played a schedule infinitely (not really, but a lot better) than UCSB's schedule. Among some of the big names on EWU's schedule are Washington State (68-41 loss), New Mexico (92-57 beat down), Washington (82-68 whuppin'), Virginia Tech (69-52 loss), Michigan (61-53 loss) and Kansas (85-47 destruction). As you can see, they've played some big names, so they probably won't be phased by anything the Gaucho Buzzsaw throws at them. Still, it's not a good thing when you're 6-8 and in first place in your league.
Here is kenpom.com's tale of the tape:
UCSB: http://www.kenpom.com/sr.php?team=UC%20Santa%20Barbara&y=2008
EWU: http://www.kenpom.com/sr.php?team=Eastern%20Washington&y=2008
First off, I think the Gauchos immediate advantage is going to be their height. EWU only has 3 players measuring 6'8 or 6'9. The Gauchos will need to exploit this advantage in the form of rebounding and lots of the same ol', same ol' (Chris Devine and Al Harris).
Surprisingly, UCSB with a taller team plays at a slightly faster pace than EWU does. EWU is shooting 45.1% from the floor and allows their opponent to shoot 52.4%. This bodes well for the Gauchos since they come into the contest shooting 51.2% from the field and allowing their opponents to shoot 48.3%.
All in all, when you look at the tale of the tape, UCSB is ahead of almost every single statistic when compared head to head. As a result, I can see the Gauchos pounding the rock inside, shooting the three (hopefully, well) and notching up the defense with a solid margin of victory.
It's important for the Gauchos to start fast and keep it up throughout the game. Not that I need to point it out because you can read my rant below, but our last game was against UNC. It's safe to say that we came out a little flatter than most expected. This is a good game to rebound with before we get rolling into Big West play. The Gauchos need to use this game to wipe that bad taste out of their mouth and prepare themselves to feast on the lame Little West competition.
And, for a little positive mojo before tomorrow's contest, I want everyone to watch these highlights (complete with amazing cinematography and analysis) over and over and repeat "Big West Conference Champions."
This one is my favorite:
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