App State's last ever trip to Hanner Fieldhouse (GS is opening a new arena next year) was not fun. I'm guestimating here, but I feel that App trailed in Statesboro more than in the previous seven wins combined. Down by as many as 12 in the first half and by nine with 10 minutes to go, the Mountaineers held their poise and got to winning time with a chance to win. It didn't happen in regulation, but senior citizen Donovan Gregory got the tough bucket with 9 seconds left and tall dude Justin Abson blocked the attempted game-winning shot to escape Statesboro with a win.
Road wins are hard, especially in college basketball on Saturdays in rivalry games. The rabid crowd, the Eagles' offense finding success, just being in Statesboro and the officiating variable (Saturday Sun Belt refs are typically of lesser quality compared to weekday games due to the girth of games everywhere). Always celebrate your wins.
But don't celebrate too long, especially with a flight halfway across the country coming up. By chance, App's lone there-and-back road trip of Sun Belt play is to the further possible outpost; San Marcos, Texas.
The Bobcats had an awful January, going 1-7 and ending up last in the Sun Belt. But home cooking on the banks of the San Marcos River does wonders for the soul as Texas State finished strong to knock off South Alabama and Southern Miss this week, their first two-game win streak of the season. They're one short of a Lou Brown certified winning streak.
TxSt is last in the Sun Belt in scoring and 13th in 3-pointers, although 5th in FG%. They won this past week shooting 14.3% and 50% from three. What might surprise you is that going into this weekend, Texas State was first in the Sun Belt in (allowing) rebounding and they dominated the boards this weekend.
EDIT: Allowing rebounds. Not rebounding in general.
I think this comes down to whether Texas State can score. If they shoot >50% like GaSo did, they'll stay in it. App has scored 80+ in its last five games and 75+ in the last six, and four of those against repeat opponents. Texas State has only scored at least 75 twice in Sun Belt play. The battle down low will be interesting as well. They also need to stay below 15ish turnovers. Same could be said for the visitors.
This is where the second half of the season really begins IMO. Coastal, JMU and the GSUs are behind the team for now. Every game from here on is against a new opponent, minus the ODU and Marshall second matchups. Lots of new film to watch. Eight games to go.
Also, Troy kept on winning, so they remain a game back. Is it better to have a team nipping your heels to keep you focused? JMU also went 2-0 so they remain two games back. Louisiana has won seven in as row and are also two games back.
FYI, since I imagine 99% of you aren't going to San Marcos, make sure to get to Boone on Saturday, Feb. 10 for the Sun Belt/MAC challenge versus red-hot Toledo, tipoff at 1 p.m. Buy your tickets now in relative comfort and don't stand in line in the potential cold. Bring a friend and bring their friends, even if you don't know each other. Tell the students to fill it up.
But first, take care of Texas State on Wednesday, not Thursday.