Game #6 - Rider University Broncs
November 25th, 2012 - 3:30 p.m.
Puerto Vallerta, Mexico
Milwaukee plays its second game in the Puerto Vallerta tournament against Rider of the MAAC. The Broncs are a team on the downside, going 13-19 a year ago and still losing their top scorer to graduation. Let's take a look at Milwaukee's next opponent.
2011-12 Record: 13-19, 10-8 MAAC
Statsheet RPI: 199
KenPom: 199
Lead Returnees (Place on team in 2011-12)
PPG: Daniel Stewart, 11.1 ppg (3rd)
RPG: Daniel Stewart, 6.6 rpg (1st)
APG: Jonathon Thompson, 4.7 apg (1st)
Biggest Loss - Rider will need players to step up to replace Jeff Jones and Novar Gadson, their leading and fourth-leading scorers from a year ago. Jones was a big, quick shooting guard who transferred after three seasons at UVA and took over the lead for the Broncs as a senior. The good news for Rider is that their best recruit resembles Jones in a lot of ways.
New faces - Khalil Alford, a 6'4'' shooting guard out of Raleigh, is a surprisingly strong and athletic player for his height at the MAAC level. Alford spent last season at the Fishburne Military School. He is very good at finishing around the rim in transition, which is extremely important in the MAAC where the transition game is all that matters. He can shoot very well from outside, but he struggles with his mid-range jumper.
Style of play - Rider, like most MAAC schools, is built to play the up-tempo basketball game. The Broncs were one of the fastest teams in the country last season, with 69.6 possessions per game. Rider struggles, however, defensively and on the boards, giving up a ton to opponents in each end.
Bottom Line - Luckily for Milwaukee, the Broncs are one of those run-and-gun teams that the Panthers will be trying to become, so they'll provide a good look. Rider doesn't have the legitimate size to truly beat Milwaukee, which plays into Milwaukee's hands. Look for the Panthers to have a fun time in the sun in Puerto Vallerta. Just save them some stuffing for when they return.