Fans attending Wilmington's Ohio Athletic Conference men's basketball game against John Carroll Saturday could be in for a treat. With two teams that are willing to play at a fast pace, scoring could be through the roof.
The Blue Streaks comes into the game ninth nationally in scoring with 91.0 points per game, and has surpassed 100 points four times this season. They have been held below 80 points once this season, beating Adrian 69-55 in the season opener.
"They are explosive offensively and relentless on the defensive end," said Wilmington head coach K.C. Hunt. "They create a lot of offense from their defense, and they are super aggressive on both ends of the court. So it's going to be a big challenge for us on Saturday."
John Carroll wants to pressure its way to easy points, and they are ranked seventh nationally in steals. Junior guard David Hendrickson is the main benefactor of the JCU pressure. He is ranked nationally in steals with 28 total.
Not only are the Blue Streaks capable of turning offense into defense; they get into transition off made baskets.
"Even on makes, they are running," said Hunt. "You have to do a good job of sprinting back, guarding from the paint out and guarding shooters in transition. There is going to be a lot of quick one-pass, no-pass three's – so you have to be really ready to rebound the basketball. They are averaging close to 47 rebounds per game, which is a ton. So, we have to do a good job on the glass as well."
The ability to get back on defense and not give John Carroll points off turnovers are pivotal in determining the outcome.
"They're both critical keys to the game," said Hunt. "Taking care of the ball, having great possessions each time down the floor. Being able stop the ball early and slow them down in transition, and make this a little slower pace game. But with being said, we like to play fast too. We are going to attack as much as we possibly can. When we break their press, we are not going to sit back and wait for them on defense. We are an attacking team as well, so it should be an entertaining game."
Wilmington had done an admirable job of taking care of the basketball this season, and is ranked 11th nationally in assist to turnover ratio with 1.5.
The Blue Streaks come into the game, winners in three of their last four, and the only blemish was a buzzer-beater defeat to Muskingum.
Junior center Jake Hollinger leads the team with 14.6 points per game and is second with 6.5 rebounds. His scoring is slightly down in OAC games (13.3 ppg), but his rebounding is up with 7.8. Hendrickson is providing JCU with perimeter scoring with 13.6 points. He is shooting 33 percent (23-of-69) from beyond the arc. His 69 attempts are a team-high. Two other players – Simon Kucharewicz and Danny Wallack – are also averaging double-digits.
"They have weapons everywhere," said Hunt. "They have the ability to score from multiple positions, and we have to do a great job of playing great team defense. Most importantly, we have to complete the play by getting a rebound."