Golden Bears look to tame Wolves

What: Cheyney Wolves vs. Kutztown Golden Bears
When: Saturday February 2, 2008 @ 8 p.m.
Where: Keystone Arena

It has been almost a full year since the Cheyney Wolves knocked the Kutztown Golden Bears out of the 2007 PSAC East Playoffs. It was a heart-breaking end to a magical season for KU as they hosted their first ever PSAC Playoff Game. The 79-63 defeat at the hands of CU was not how KU wanted to reward its faithful fans. However, the Golden Bears have made this season worthwhile thus far as they have stormed out of the gates to a 4-0 start in the PSAC East. The Wolves trail the Golden Bears by a half game in the standings.

This game could end up deciding who wins the PSAC East title, however, both teams appear to be headed for home games when the PSAC Playoffs start at the end of the month. KU has defeated Mansfield, West Chester, Millersville and Bloomsburg. The most impressive statistic about these four victories was how much the Golden Bears won by. Most games in the PSAC East are usually decided in the final minutes and come down to free throw shooting. KU’s closest margin of victory was 13 points in an 88-75 win over Mansfield. KU defeated WCU by 16, MU by 18, and BU by 15.

CU has also dominated throughout PSAC East play. Their only loss was at East Stroudsburg in overtime 88-85. CU rarely loses at home and is 6-2 overall at Cope Hall and 3-0 in conference play. However, the Wolves are 3-4 on the road overall as they head into Saturday’s matchup.

Scouting Report:

Cheyney Wolves (11-6 overall, 4-1 PSAC East - 2^nd Place)

Last Game: Won 72-42 vs. Millersville

The Wolves dominated the Marauders as they outscored them 41-20 in the second half. MU, the preseason favorite in the PSAC East, has been anything but, as they fell to 2-2 with the loss. CU was led by Ed Braswell (18 points) and Tyrone Smith (13 pts., 12 rbs.). MU did not have any players in double figures including superstar Charlie Parker who only attempted five shots.

The Wolves matchup well against the Golden Bears as they rely on strong guard play and establishing a dominant presence in the post. They are led by center Rob Simpson, reigning PSAC East Player of the Week, who averages 13.6 points and leads the PSAC in field goal percentage shooting 59.9 percent. In last year’s PSAC East Quarterfinal against KU, Simpson was 11-of-15 for 26 points. Braswell adds 13.2 points per game and shoots 42.5 percent from beyond the arc. Smith adds 12.7 points per game and shoots 50.6 percent from the floor. CU has four players that average double figures in points, and three players that are in the top 11 in the PSAC in field goal percentage.

Kutztown Golden Bears (12-6 overall, 4-0 PSAC East - 1^st Place)

Last Game: Lost 81-79 (OT) @ District of Columbia

The Golden Bears played their second straight game without leading scorer Stephen Dennis (hip and back injuries) and erased a 15-point deficit to force overtime. Junior Dave Ben had 23 points to lead KU while reigning PSAC East Rookie of the Week Ryan Washington added a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

KU hopes to have Dennis back in the lineup, but the Golden Bears still remain a legitimate threat without him due to the improved post play of Washington and Jeremy Coombs. This inside tag team has taken some of the pressure off of Ben and fellow guard Andre Woodlin. Guard Nate Edwards has seen time in the starting lineup with Dennis out and has shown no ill-effects of an ankle injury that he suffered last month. KU is led by Dennis who is third in the PSAC averaging 19 points per game. He also averages six rebounds and is in the top five in blocks per game. Ben adds 15.4 points per game (8^th in PSAC) and 6.2 rebounds. Woodlin averages 11.9 points per game.

Probable Starters

Cheyney:
C- #33 Rob Simpson
F- # 4 Tyrone Smith
G- # 3 Ed Braswell
G- # 1 Dawud Morris
G- # 31 Dominique Curry

Kutztown
C- #55 Jeremy Coombs
F- #52 Ryan Washington
F- #34 Dave Ben
G- # 32 Andre Woodlin
G- # 14 Stephen Dennis

Prediction

Since this game will probably decide the PSAC East title, the Golden Bears must defend their home court. They will need another strong performance out of Washington and Coombs, who must contain Simpson. If either Washington or Coombs get into early foul trouble, it could be difficult for the Golden Bears to matchup well down low. The good news for the Golden Bears is that they should get Dennis back who should be fresh and ready to go. KU could afford to sit him against BU (PSAC East cellar dwellers) and UDC (non-conference game). There should also be a large crowd at Keystone Arena with this game being at night, and the Golden Bears are a exceptional home team. This game is too close to call, but until someone comes up with a game plan to stop KU’s well-balanced attack, I can’t pick against them.

KUTZTOWN 78
CHEYNEY 72

Pictured: Andre Woodlin