This is a very interesting first round match up, I think Eastern gets it done in the end though by 8.

I'll be rooting for the Hounds but beating Eastern will be a tall task.

Eastern by 9.

I'm picking Corbin to win it all so I will pick them here obviously, but by 5 points or less. This is easily the most intriguing first round matchup since the teams to me seem to be pretty equal. Eastern had a tougher road to get here but these are both good teams and with almost two weeks rest , this is going to be a battle. As I said in the other thread if Eastern does pull this one out, then I'm taking them to go on to win it all.

Eastern by 10

 

I've seen both teams play this year and corbin is very good but don't think they can handle eastern. Either way should be a great game to watch.

I believe that there are X factors involved. How will each team handle the pressure? Will either team be effected by the size of the college court? Eastern is 7-0 on college courts. I cannot pick a winner because I have not seen Corbin play. With that said I have a difficult time believing that Eastern's size and athleticism can be matched in this game.

 

You raise a very valid point. I for some reason think that they remove a couple of pieces of the court to make it the appropriate length. I could be nuts....Anyone know for sure? (About the court, not whether I'm nuts!!!)

I don't care how big Corbin is, I'd be shocked if Eastern doesn't get a ton of offensive rebounds and putbacks. That's how they Win!

Every player for Eastern is big and physical, especially the guards!

 

How big is Eastern's squad? (i.e. 6'1", 6'2", etc.)

Starters range from 6'0 to 6'4".

Starters range from 6'0 to 6'4".

Thanks for the info, Faxisfax. It looks like a very close matchup in size. Corbin is 5'10", 6'2", 6'4", 6'4" and 6'5".

Eastern is very athletic and attacks the backboards on both ends. Hounds will have to be solid with the ball and rebound the ball. The Eagles are pretty good defensively from all my sources.

You raise a very valid point. I for some reason think that they remove a couple of pieces of the court to make it the appropriate length. I could be nuts....Anyone know for sure? (About the court, not whether I'm nuts!!!)

The court is left at college regulation size they make no adjustments to it.

Eastern 71-35

I don't which team will come out on top of this one, but which everyone does, IMO, will mostly likely be on the floor on Saturday night as well.

I think this game is going to be a dandy. People seem to be buying into the mountain team stereotype I think. Corbin may or may not match Eastern's athleticism but they will be surprised by the Hounds. Corbin is very athletic. You look at them and think that they are a bunch of football players that like to slow it down and beat you black and blue. They are plenty capable of executing in that slow down type of physical game but these kids can get out and run up and down the floor. Even the big 6'4" 260 pound Center can scoot up and down the floor.

 

Corbin will definitely have to box out. Their size and strength should work to a serious advantage if they do that. A few times throughout the season, Corbin has sometimes cleared out and started running the other way thinking Crawford will be there to get the rebound. Josh can do a whole lot but one man can't do everything. Corbin likes to play above the rim. When Corbin is focusing on the team oriented style, they are one of the most impressive passing teams. Against a team as quick and athletic as Eastern, they will have to make smart crisp passes or it will go the other way in a hurry.

 

Corbin can also get hot and shoot you out of the gym. Most of the time it's Johnson that heats up but Josh Smith and Isaac Wilson can fill it up as well. If 2 of the 3 are both on, chances are, Corbin takes this one. If all 3 are, Corbin is hard for anyone to beat. You know you are going to get a solid game from Crawford and Manns. They may not always get 20 points but they'll contribute to it by finding the open man.

Eastern 71-35

 

 

Are you kidding?