Some of you may remember last seasons lop sided win over my Cats. Allow me to brake down why this years match may not be so easy in five easy steps...
1. This is a team on the rise - last season we ranked 345th on ken's pom ratings. This season, we have surged up to 281st.
2. This team is extremely battle tested - having already played seven true road games, one thing I can assure you is that they will not be intimidated by any home crowd.
3. Were healthy - all five guys who started the season opener (a game we won convincingly) are 100% and ready to go.
4. Our players are in great shape - Nick Guadarrama played all 40 minutes in last nights contest with Marist, and has played 36 minutes or more in 6 of his last 7 games (the only exception being when we didn't want to run up the score on Maine Maritime). Bill Herrion demands a peek level of fitness from his players specifically for games like this. If it becomes a track meat, advantage UNH.
5. Were hungry and humble - many of us remember the devastation of being left out of the America East Playoffs a year ago. For us fans who had grown spoiled by regular trips to the America East semi-finals and postseason invitation's, it was a tough pill to swallow. For the player's who expected to continue a proud tradition of winning at UNH, it was very humbling to sit at home as up starts like UMass Lowell danced. This season, they have collectively re committed to UNH basketball and refused too take any possessions off.
I'm not saying UNH will win, but sundays match should give us a indication of which great New England program is closer to re storing they're strong culture's of winning. Happy holidays and drive safely!
1. This is a team on the rise - last season we ranked 345th on ken's pom ratings. This season, we have surged up to 281st.
2. This team is extremely battle tested - having already played seven true road games, one thing I can assure you is that they will not be intimidated by any home crowd.
3. Were healthy - all five guys who started the season opener (a game we won convincingly) are 100% and ready to go.
4. Our players are in great shape - Nick Guadarrama played all 40 minutes in last nights contest with Marist, and has played 36 minutes or more in 6 of his last 7 games (the only exception being when we didn't want to run up the score on Maine Maritime). Bill Herrion demands a peek level of fitness from his players specifically for games like this. If it becomes a track meat, advantage UNH.
5. Were hungry and humble - many of us remember the devastation of being left out of the America East Playoffs a year ago. For us fans who had grown spoiled by regular trips to the America East semi-finals and postseason invitation's, it was a tough pill to swallow. For the player's who expected to continue a proud tradition of winning at UNH, it was very humbling to sit at home as up starts like UMass Lowell danced. This season, they have collectively re committed to UNH basketball and refused too take any possessions off.
I'm not saying UNH will win, but sundays match should give us a indication of which great New England program is closer to re storing they're strong culture's of winning. Happy holidays and drive safely!
