- Jacksonville ranks second in ASUN with 13 conference wins
- Cleveland State averages 10.4 offensive rebounds per game
- Both teams enter with winning records in one-possession games
The College Basketball Invitational heats up Monday night as the Jacksonville Dolphins face the Cleveland State Vikings in a matchup of mid-major programs seeking postseason glory. With both teams finishing top-three in their respective conferences, this Daytona Beach showdown promises high-intensity basketball from tip-off to final buzzer.
Jacksonville brings a potent perimeter attack to Florida's east coast, converting 7.3 three-pointers per contest. This slight edge could prove critical against a Cleveland State defense allowing 7.2 long-range makes per game. The Dolphins' Robert McCray (16.6 PPG) forms one of the ASUN's most dynamic backcourts alongside Marcus Niblack, combining for 8.1 assists per game.
Cleveland State counters with Horizon League rebounding machine Dylan Arnett, whose 2.9 offensive boards per game fuel second-chance opportunities. The Vikings' 45% team shooting percentage ranks 83rd nationally, a critical advantage against Jacksonville's 43.9% defensive field goal percentage. Recent performances suggest momentum - Tevin Smith has scored 15+ points in four of Cleveland State's last six outings.
Regional dynamics add intrigue to this CBI Tournament matchup. Daytona Beach's Ocean Center has hosted seven postseason tournaments since 2019, with Florida teams going 12-8 in those contests. Jacksonville aims to leverage this home-state advantage despite being 2-3 in neutral-site games this season. Local businesses anticipate $750k in economic impact from tournament attendees according to Volusia County tourism data.
Strategic matchups to watch include Jacksonville's transition defense against Cleveland State's rebounding prowess. The Vikings convert 14.2% of offensive rebounds into immediate putbacks, while the Dolphins allow just 9.8 fast-break points per game. Bench production could decide this clash - Jacksonville's reserves outscore opponents by 4.1 PPG compared to Cleveland State's 2.8 PPG deficit.
Tournament implications loom large for both programs. Since 2016, 68% of CBI participants improved their recruiting class rankings the following year. A strong showing could help Jacksonville secure commitments from three-star Florida prospect Jamal Burke, while Cleveland State eyes Ohio prep standout Darius Miller.