Scoreboard

Clarkson University Athletics

Sophomore Liam Ellis is shooting 61.1% from the 3-point line (11-for-18) in 2016-17. - Photo by Conrad Koehler

Men's Basketball 12/8/2016 3:00:00 PM December 8, 2016

CU Men's Basketball Preview - vs. Morrisville State (12/10)

The scoreboard could be active on Saturday evening as the Clarkson University Men's Basketball team will host Morrisville State in a matchup between teams that collectively average 160 points per contest.

The Golden Knights (5-3) are 6-1 all-time against Morrisville (5-2), though the series has been much closer than that as three of Clarkson's victories have come by three points or fewer. Likewise, the Mustangs came away with a three-point win, 64-61, in 2015-16.

As its success from the perimeter has increased so has the win total for Clarkson. After slow starts from Drew Zlogar and Michael Hayduk, in which the pair went a collective 0-for-20 from the 3-point line in the first two games, the two seniors have heated up from outside. Zlogar is 21-for-45 from the line over the last six contests (46.7%) while Hayduk is 23-for-46 (50.0%) over that same time frame. For the season, Zlogar is averaging 16.4 points per game, while Hayduk is tossing in 10.5 points, but 16.0 over his last four games. The steady piece for the Knights has been senior forward Derek Hart, who is averaging 18.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 58.8% from the floor. Sophomore guard Liam Ellis has also gotten hot in the last three games, shooting 72.2% from the field and averaging 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists in that stretch.

The Mustangs have won five of their first seven contests, but most have been nail biters, as Morrisville has gained four victories by five points or less, including two in overtime. The Mustangs average 81.3 points per game and get many second-chance opportunities, grabbing 17 offensive rebounds per contest with a season-low of 11. Additionally, Morrisville relies heavily on its five starters as the group contributes 89.1% of the team's points. Freshman forward Kevin Dennis has taken little time adapting to the college game, averaging 20.4 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, including 5.4 boards per contest on the offensive end. Junior guard Trent Ward is the team's key 3-point threat as he has sunk 22 in 54 attempts to contribute heavily to his 17.7 ppg. Sophomore backcourt mate Kenny Bonaparte is also producing 16.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, while fourth and fifth starters Kyle Peck and Derek Beames average 9.1 and 8.4 ppg, respectively.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#3 Liam Ellis: G; 5' 11"; Sophomore

#42 Derek Hart: F; 6' 7"; Senior

#32 Michael Hayduk: F; 6' 4"; Senior

#21 Drew Zlogar: F; 6' 6"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#3 Liam Ellis
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: G

#42 Derek Hart
: 6' 7"; Senior
: F

#32 Michael Hayduk
: 6' 4"; Senior
: F

#21 Drew Zlogar
: 6' 6"; Senior
: F