As the Texas State Bobcats travel to Norfolk, Virginia, to face Old Dominion Monarchs, fans and analysts alike hold their breath. With a season record of 12-11 and 5-6 in the Sun Belt Conference, Texas State is grappling with a challenging three-game losing streak. On the other hand, the Monarchs sit at 10-13 overall, boasting a 6-5 conference record. With the game slated for Wednesday night at 7 p.m. EST, basketball enthusiasts are set for an intriguing contest.
Current Standing Overview
The Old Dominion Monarchs are renowned for their strong home presence, having notched a 6-7 record on their turf this season. Their prowess is heightened by their dominance in rebounding, ranking second in the Sun Belt with an average of 35.3 rebounds per game. Key contributor Sean Durugordon has been instrumental, grabbing an average of 8.3 boards per game.
Conversely, Texas State's conference journey has been a rollercoaster, with a 5-6 standing. Interestingly, the Bobcats have shown resilience, emerging victorious in all matches decided by a four-point margin or less, boasting a 3-0 record under such circumstances.
Shooting and Scoring
Both teams offer interesting dynamics in terms of three-point shooting. The Monarchs average 5.9 made shots from beyond the arc, while Texas State allows an average of 7.7 converted shots per game. However, Texas State averages 5.8 three-pointers per game, slightly fewer than the 7.1 shots Old Dominion typically concedes.
Player Performances to Watch
Robert Davis Jr. shines brightly for the Monarchs, recording an average of 3.4 three-pointers per game, contributing significantly to his 15.7 points per game. His shooting from beyond the arc stands at 34.4%. Meanwhile, Sean Durugordon's performance has been exceptional over the past ten games, averaging 17.2 points on 42.7% shooting.
For the Bobcats, Tylan Pope is a key player, maintaining an average of 15.5 points coupled with 6.2 rebounds per game. Coleton Benson follows with an average of 9.8 points, shooting at 37.3% over his last ten appearances.
Recent Form Analysis
Examining the last ten games, the Monarchs have balanced their record at 5-5, averaging 64.7 points. During this stretch, they have secured strong defensive stats with 34.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists, 5.0 steals, and 3.1 blocks per game, all while opponents have averaged 67.2 points.
In contrast, the Bobcats stand at 4-6 in their recent ten games. Despite the losing record, they have showcased their offensive potential, averaging 76.2 points, supported by 30.9 rebounds, 13.2 assists, 7.3 steals, and 4.7 blocks per game. However, defensive vulnerabilities have been evident, with opponents averaging 78.5 points per game.
This clash marks the initial meeting of these teams in the Sun Belt play this season, adding an exciting edge to the encounter. Both teams are keen to improve their standings and break unfavorable streaks. Fans are in for a thrilling matchup as they watch these talented teams go head-to-head in pursuit of victory.