Timberwolves @ Cougars: Men's Basketball Preview

Men's Basketball
January 25, 2023

UNBC Men’s Basketball @ Mount Royal University Cougars
Friday, January 27th, 2023 @ 7 PM PT
Saturday, January 28th, 2023 @ 6 PM PT

UNBC Timberwolves (5-9)
11th in CW Standings
79.6 Points Scored Per Game (12th)
86.9 Points Allowed Per Game (16th)
Scoring Leader: Micah Jessie (16.5 Per Game)
Rebounding Leader: Fareed Shittu (9.1 Per Game)
Assists Leader: Micah Jessie (4.4 Per Game)
Steals Leader: Chris Ross (1.5 Per Game)
Blocks Leader: Fareed Shittu (1.4 Per Game)

Player To Watch: Fareed Shittu, F
14.2 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 BPG, 0.9 SPG
Known around the conference for his mind-boggling athletic feats, Shittu’s game becomes more and more refined by the week. Shooting 41% from beyond the arc, the Edmonton Elevator is coming off a weekend where he posted a 16 point, 12 rebound performance, followed by a 27 point, 11 rebound game against Winnipeg. He will need to be strong this weekend, as UNBC looks to end their recent slide and remain in the CW playoff picture.
 
MRU Cougars (7-7)
8th in CW Standings
81.9 Points Scored Per Game (11th)
84.9 Points Allowed Per Game (14th)
Scoring Leader: Holt Tomie (23.8 Per Game)
Rebounding Leader: Holt Tomie (7.1 Per Game)
Assists Leader: Holt Tomie (4.6 Per Game)
Steals Leader: Keivonte Watts (1.5 Per Game)
Blocks Leader: Mawien Mawien (0.8 Per Game)

Player To Watch: Holt Tomie, G
23.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.6 APG
Making the jump to MRU’s go-to ball handler and scorer, Tomie has been tremendous for the Cougars this season. The third-year guard is second in Canada West in scoring, putting the ball in the basket at a blistering 23.5 per game rate. Expect UNBC coach Todd Jordan to throw one of Chris Ross or Micah Jessie at Tomie, who is the fulcrum of the MRU attack, whether it be as a scorer or distributor.

Milestone Watch
Justin Sunga scored the 100th point of his Canada West career last week vs Winnipeg
Saymon Loki needs 13 points to reach 100 for his Canada West career
Fareed Shittu needs two blocks to reach 75 for his Canada West career