Who wins this match up? Malik Dow could be the difference in this one. He had a monster game against East Jessamine and when he can stay out of foul trouble and work in the paint Mercer becomes a serious problem. This game is at West Jessamine and Damon Kelley is one of the top coaches in the region.

 

I can't call it. What say you????

I'd say West at home is an advantage, but Mercer won there already this season. Malik Dow is the difference. Give me Mercer by five.

When I was able to see West Jessamine play I was impressed by David McCorvey's play. He's not a player who gets a lot of publicity but he could end up being the difference maker for West Jessamine on both ends of the court.

When I was able to see West Jessamine play I was impressed by David McCorvey's play. He's not a player who gets a lot of publicity but he could end up being the difference maker for West Jessamine on both ends of the court.

 

McCorvey transferred to West Jessamine from Henry Clay and has been very good. If I'm not mistaken, his father is Everett McCorvey, director of opera at the University of Kentucky. He typically sings "My Old Kentucky Home" on Senior Day at UK.

East played the free-throw percentages and lost on Tuesday night against Mercer (Mercer hit 20-of-22, on the season they're around 65%).

 

Personally think Mercer's streak from the line won't last, the crowd will be a major factor and West wins this one by 7-10 points.

I really like West's team. Very well coached; very intelligent; lots of balance; and they have improved throughout the year.

 

From Mercer's perspective, looking at the stats from the previous two games tells the story. Faulkner has led Mercer scoring each of those games though it has been balanced. For those 2 games, he has attempted 50% more FG than the next highest player (Hager). For the season, those two have attempted virtually the same amount of shots. On the other hand, Hager has averaged 9 assists in those 2 games. Point being that West always makes it difficult for Hager to get quality looks, but he's a kid who is just as content "assisting."

 

As a result, from Mercer's standpoint, their keys to victory are Faulkner having a good (shooting) game and Dow coming to play. If Faulkner shoots well from the perimeter and Dow has upper teens and 10+ rebounds (which means Hager will likely have 9+ assists again), Mercer should win. The other variables for Mercer are the play of Drew Davis (9 & 9 against East) and Baughman hitting threes.

 

If they can do those things, which will require staying out of foul trouble, I like their chances. If they don't execute, West will win.

East played the free-throw percentages and lost on Tuesday night against Mercer (Mercer hit 20-of-22, on the season they're around 65%).

 

Personally think Mercer's streak from the line won't last, the crowd will be a major factor and West wins this one by 7-10 points.

 

Actually, Mercer shot 20-25 in that game for 80%. For the season, Mercer shoots 71%. Had they shot their average, the difference was worth 2 points. East is the one that shot 20-22 for 91%. They were shot 73% on the season for a benefit of 4 points.

 

 

A comparison of percentages for this game: West shoots 48% FG; 69% FT; 34% threes. Mercer goes 52%; 71%; and 33%. Should be a great game!

I like Mercer wins but it will be really close. I like how West plays though.

I'll take Mercer in a close one. Both teams are well coached.