Lipscomb Bisons
Atlantic Sun Conference (17-13, 14-6)
Seed: #
Big Wins: 1/26 at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />
Bad Losses: 11/14 Elon (86-91), 2/11 at USC-Upstate (74-81), 3/3 vs
Coach: Scott Sanderson
Why They Can Surprise:
Lipscomb has four quality scorers, but it is really the play of the frontcourt, most notably center Adnan Hodzic, that has catapulted Lipscomb to the top of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Hodzic has turned into one of the best interior scorers in the nation and averages 22.7 points per game. The 6-9, 255 pound Bosnian will use his large frame to carve out space for himself in the paint and that has also made him a great rebounder.
Brandon Brown is the other starter up front. Brown is not a great scorer like Hodzic, but he is averaging 10.4 points per game and can stretch out the defense with his mid-range jumper. Brian Wright and Michael Teller are more small forwards than power forwards, but both have enough strength to play the four spot when necessary. Neither are great interior scorers, but both can step outside and hit the three-point shot. Normally that would mean they do not help out on the glass too much, but Wright and Teller do their part to make Lipscomb one of the better rebounding teams in the conference.
Why They Can Disappoint:
The Bisons are a high scoring team, but they give up almost as many points per game as they score. The lack of a shot blocking presence under the basket is part of the problem. The other part is the dismal turnover ratio. Jacob Arnett, Zach Brown, Jordan Burgason and Josh Slater are all capable ballhandlers, but the total team turnovers are too high. Arnett and Brown are pure point guards who will not do much scoring. Arnett, a 6-4 freshman, has come on strong late in the year and has worked his way into the starting lineup. With a steady floor leader, albeit a freshman, Burgason and Slater can move off the ball and start on the wings. That gives the Bisons even more scoring prowess. And if Arnett struggles in the bright lights of March, Coach Scott Sanderson always has Slater and Burgason to fall back on.
Who To Watch:
Burgason is the main long range shooting threat and knocks down an impressive 3.3 three-pointers per game at a 43.8 percent clip. However, it is Slater who is the most dynamic scorer on the team. The 6-3 junior averages 17.1 points per contest and will score in every way possible. He is a relatively dangerous outside shooter, but Slater can attack the basket extremely effectively. He gets to the foul line 7.5 times per game and is not too bad of a free-throw shooter. If the opposition can find a way to stop Slater, which rarely happens, Hodzic and Burgason will take over.
Probable Starters:
Jacob Arnett, Freshman, Guard, 2.7 ppg, 2.4 apg
Josh Slater, Junior, Guard, 17.1 ppg, 5.2 apg, 5.4 rpg
Jordan Burgason, Sophomore, Guard, 12.8 ppg, 2.4 apg
Brandon Brown, Junior, Forward, 10.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Adnan Hodzic, Junior, Center, 22.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg
Key Roleplayers:
Zach Brown, Freshman, Guard, 1.2 ppg, 1.4 apg
Michael Teller, Junior, Forward, 5.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg
Brian Wright, Sophomore, Forward, 5.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 79.1 (19th in nation, 1st in conference)
Scoring Defense: 75.2 (310, 9)
Field-Goal Percentage: 46.5 (45, 1)
Field-Goal Defense: 46.7 (316, 8)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 8.1 (29, 2)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 36.4 (77, 1)
Free-Throw Percentage: 70.5 (118, 3)
Rebound Margin: 2.8 (88, 2)
Assists Per Game: 17.3 (3, 1)
Turnovers Per Game: 14.6 (237, 4)
Joel’s Bracket Says: First Round loss to
