WSU verus DRAKE predictions and pregame discussions

[ShockerFever]

Shox 60
Drake 65

Our luck turns... :grumpy:

That's two losses in a row you've now predicted. So far, you're 0 for 1.

[WuDrWu]

It's the Valley, on the road, where teams so far are 0-5.

That being said, it's hard to predict a team that plays really good defense and rebounds like monsters losing to a team that is below average on defense and can't rebound their own shadow.

[tropicalshox]

Tweet by Paul S:
WSU's injury problems aren't improving. Chadrack Lufile didn't practice Tuesday because of back spasms. Game-time decision for Drake. #mvc

[ShockerPrez]

We have seen a lot of good defenses and ugly games. This wont be as ugly.

WSU 59

Drake 51

[Kung Wu]

So much depends on injuries ... Lufile in or out?

WSU 62
Drake 59

[SubGod22]

Shox - 78

Pups - 58

Even if we're down Lufile, Drake has no business hanging with us. Lets not forget that CJ really didn't play against UNI either and we were just fine. If Jake keeps busting his ass on the boards, we'll be fine with Ehimen and Cle getting a lot of minutes. Tekele gets a double/double.

[pinstripers]

If we are down CJ, we win by 1 or 2, finish with a couple guys fouled out.

[60Shock]

Shockers win 71-59.

For those outside of the TV viewing area the game is on ESPN3 (blocked out in Kansas and Missouri).

Thanks, Trop for the heads-up. Is there any advance ESPN3 schedule noting which Shocker games they will show? Or is it just a daily schedule?

[RussDaBus]

Shocks 73
Bulldogs 63

[1972Shocker]

I think that CJ's status for this game is pretty big. Drake does have some size in their starting lineup in 6-11, 269lb Seth VanDeest and 6-8, 256lb Jordan Clarke. Clarke gave us some problems last year in Des Moines IIRC. Looks like these two are backed up by 6-9, 219lb FR Joey King and 6-6, 216lb RSo Jeremy Jeffers.

If CJ is available he, Ehimen and Jake should be able to hold their own against this group and maybe free up Cleanthony to help out some on the 6-8 Ben Simons. If CJ is not available then the job of defending Simons probably falls to Tekele, Nick and D-Will as that may force 3G to use Cleanthony primarily on this inside tonight. If CJ can't go we will need Ehimen and Jake to play well and to avoid foul trouble.

I think this will be a tough game either way and if CJ is not able to go then this will be a very difficult chore for the Shocks. I think the Shocks will need to hold Drake to less than 65 points to win this game.

I see a 3-5 point game that could go either way.

[molly jabali]

67-63 Shockers

[DwShock]

Thanks, Trop for the heads-up. Is there any advance ESPN3 schedule noting which Shocker games they will show? Or is it just a daily schedule?

This might help. http://www.mvc-sports.com/television/default/

[RoyalShock]

The Shocks are 1-4 in their last five trips to Des Moines. Combine that with our injuries and Drake's ability to shoot (41% 3FG, 3 of top 10 MVC 3-pt shooters) I have serious concerns about this one. That said, as long as our defensive intensity stays where it's been I think we'll escape with a victory.

WSU - 63
DU - 59

[tropicalshox]

Thanks, Trop for the heads-up. Is there any advance ESPN3 schedule noting which Shocker games they will show? Or is it just a daily schedule?

Go to WatchESPN and use their calendar to see games in the future. For example, it appears Wichita at Evansville on Jan. 13th will be on ESPN3.

http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index#type/upcoming/startDate/20130108/

[GoShockers89]

I will be pleasantly stunned if this one is anywhere near as easy as the UNI win.

WSU 67
DU 60