The Coppin State Eagles are gearing up for a significant matchup against the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks as they head into their latest conference battle. This eagerly awaited game is set in Princess Anne, Maryland, with a kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. on Monday. Both teams are in search of modifying their standings in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), with the Eagles looking to build momentum following Toby Nnadozie's stellar 21-point performance despite their loss to the Delaware State Hornets.
Current Team Dynamics
As things stand, Coppin State's season has been a challenging one, currently holding a 3-18 overall record, and managing just one win in their six MEAC outings. Despite their struggles, Nnadozie's recent scoring spree has infused some fresh energy into the squad. Another key contributor for the Eagles is Jonathan Dunn, who leads the team with an average of 6.0 points in the paint per game.
On the other side, the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks are maintaining a home ground advantage with a 4-2 record in their games played at home. However, their success in securing wins is tied closely to their ability to force turnovers, as they show a 1-4 record when losing the turnover battle. The team's average of 12.9 turnovers per game suggests that possession control will be a crucial factor in their upcoming clash.
Key Statistics and Team Performance
Focusing on shooting skills and defensive stats, Coppin State allows an average of 8.3 three-point shots per game, while shooting at a rate of 38.3% from the field. Comparatively, the Hawks have been slightly more efficient, handling 47.0% of opponent field goals, alongside crafting an average of 6.4 successful three-point shots per game. This discrepancy highlights the need for Coppin State to shore up their defense and improve shooting accuracy.
Players to Watch
For the Hawks, Ketron Shaw is a player to keep an eye on. Shooting 44.4% from the field and averaging 18.3 points, Shaw's consistent performance could be a deciding factor. Evan Johnson, another notable Hawk, contributes significantly by making two three-pointers on average over his last ten games.
Coppin State's key players besides Nnadozie include Julius Ellerbe, averaging 10 points and pulling down nearly 6 rebounds per game. The team's recent form, marked by a 3-7 record over their last ten matches, has seen them averaging 66.9 points and 40.9% shooting accuracy.
Recent Trends and Predictions
Considering the recent trends, the Hawks have averaged 69.6 points with a field goal rate of 45.3% over their last ten games. In comparison, their opponents have averaged a slightly higher 74.9 points per game against them. The Eagles, however, have suffered defensively, conceding an average of 79.6 points despite their average offensive output.
As these teams prepare to square off for the first time this season in conference play, the performance of key players and handling of turnovers will be critical. Both squads are eager to utilize this game as a stepping stone to bolster their MEAC standings. Whether Nnadozie can guide Coppin State past Maryland-Eastern Shore or if Shaw and Johnson propel the Hawks to victory remains to be seen, making for an exciting college basketball showdown.