Matchup Preview:
#9 VWC (26-5) vs. #1 Randolph-Macon (28-2)
Where: Creshaw Gym, Ashland, VA
When: 7 p.m.
Video Link: https://www.boxcast.com/show/#/mbb-ncaa-round-of-eight
Preview:
Randolph-Macon, the No.1 ranked team in the country, enters the game as winners of two straight games, demolishing Catholic 78-65 in the round of 32 and defeating St.John-Fisher 64-57 in regulation last night in the Sweet 16. The Yellow Jackets are 3-0 versus VWC this year and look to continue that success with senior Joe Hassell, who leads the Jackets this season with 385 points, 12.8 points per game and 214 rebounds. However, the senior guard has struggled with free throws, shooting 58.8% from the line, fifth lowest on the team. The team as a whole though averages 65% from the free throw line. Moreover, the Jackets are averaging 74.2 points per game and winning by an average of 11 points.
The No.9 Marlins enter the game as winners of three straight games, most recently defeating Dickinson College 75-65 last night in the Sweet 16. VWC has lost three straight games to Randolph-Macon, the most recent being a 81-74 overtime loss in the ODAC title game. However, the Marlins will have Greg Montgomery for the Elite 8 matchup versus the Yellow Jackets. The senior guard, who is averaging 12.7 points per game this season, second highest on the roster, was nursing an injury for the ODAC title game and did not play in the match. The Marlins will also have emerging star Khory Moore, who is averaging 17.5 points per game this season, highest on the team. With the help of the sophomore guard, VWC is averaging 78.8 points per game and shooting 42.1% from the field. More importantly though, the Marlins are 69.1% from the free throw line this season.
