#MACtion at a Glance: Robert Morris at Eastern Michigan

Robert Morris (2-0) at Eastern Michigan (2-0)
When: Tuesday, November 14, 7:30 pm EST
Where: Convocation Center, Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Ken Pom: RMU 125. EMU 237
Story-line: The Colonials hit the road and look to get to 3-0 with a win over the 2-0 Eastern Michigan Eagles.

Getting to know the Eastern Michigan University Eagles...

We don't know a whole lot about the Eagles, and truth be told, nobody really does. Why? In their first two games they have played two division two teams,beating Albion 77-45 and Concordia 95-50. So maybe we know they aren't really bad, because a loss to either of those two teams would not have been a good sign. This game will be the first Keightley Classic contest for both teams, which will feature other games against Cleveland State, Texas Arlington, and of course, Kentucky.

While most of the roster will be realtivley unknown to the Colonials, one name will stick out. The Eagles are led by point guard Mike Talley, who transferred in from Duquesne. He's played RMU a few times.

EMU is big, and has a high level front-line. That could give the Colonials a lot of problems. Da'Shonte Riley is a Syracuse transfer, and at 7-0 could wreck havoc on the block. He's not alone on the block. Glenn Bryant, an Arkansas transfer will also man the paint for the Eagles. Fellow forward Karrington Ward leads the team in scoring with 17.0 points per game. At 6-7, he gives the Eagles yet another big option to use on the block. RMU could have some problems on the glass.

EMU is expected to contend for the MAC West Division title, and were picked 3rd by the coaches.

Keys to the Game: The size EMU brings is a little worrisome. It’ll be interesting to see if Toole goes with a lineup that consists on Mike McFadden and Stephan Hawkins on the court at the same time to combat Riley and Bryant. Big teams have given RMU trouble in the past, especially with rebounding (see: Quinnipiac) and that’s the big worry in this one.

EMU has also been very good defensively in their two matchups, coming in with a KenPom defensive rating of 99.7 (national average is 101.7). Riley and Bryant protecting the rim is certainly part of that, so let’s see if RMU can stretch the floor enough to get to the rim and shoot the three ball as well as they have.

RMU’s biggest strength is versatility. This team can play ten guys in all sorts of different positions. If EMU gives RMU fits with one style, Toole can counter it with one of his funky lineups. This is one RMU should probably grab but cannot overlook. Solid point guard play with two talented bigs is tough to beat.

KenPom prediction: RMU defeats Eastern Michigan 63-61

CTC prediction: RMU defeats Eastern Kentucky 74-64