One of the best weeks of the college basketball season is upon us. “Feast Week” provides fans with day basketball and numerous intriguing non-conference match ups. Mid-major squads have already taken advantage of big opportunities this week provides and there no doubt more will.
Every Monday Student Union Sports is going to take a look at the highlights of the college basketball week outside of the power structure. Let’s see who stood out in the college basketball’s second week.
Team of the Week: BYU
The Cougars are here because of one of the most impressive results of the young season. Mark Pope’s squad dominated 12th ranked Oregon from tip to finish Tuesday night in Portland. They did so with outstanding defense and astounding offensive efficiency.
As usual, BYU was led by super-senior Alex Barcello. The guard shot 9/11 from the field on the way to racking up 20 points while not turning the ball over once. He was supported by three other double figure scorers including Cleveland State transfer Te’jon Lucas. Lucas had struggled the first week but scored 12 points on an efficient 5/8 shooting against the Ducks.
They finished the week with a 36 point victory over Central Methodist. Other than that game, Mark Pope did an excellent job of scheduling quality games that will get his team ready for a tough WCC. The Cougars have challenging games against Missouri State, Utah and Creighton before getting into their league schedule.
Player of the Week: Justin Bean, Utah State
This is going to be among the easiest choices of the season. Bean was fantastic in victories over Penn, New Mexico State and Oklahoma as the Aggies captured the Myrtle Beach Invitational Sunday afternoon.
Many expected Utah State to regress following the NBA Draft declaration from Neemias Queta, Bean has not let that happened. Aside from a hiccup against UC Davis, Bean and co. have been outstanding.
The senior forward averaged 24.6 points per game in the tournament while chipping in 13 boards a game. He did this while expanding his offensive arsenal that makes him almost unguardable. After making just 10 threes as a junior, Bean has already made 9 this year in just five games. That offensive diversity is going to make him an impossible weapon to stop in the Mountain West.
Mid Major Top 10
1. Gonzaga: The Bulldogs took care of their cupcakes this week. Upcoming matchup’s with UCLA and Duke will be must see TV.
2. BYU: The Cougars have three impressive wins so far highlighted by Oregon. Saturday’s rivalry with Utah should be a good one.
3. St. Bonaventure: The Bonnies had a fantastic weekend in Charleston. Mark Schmidt’s team potentially grabbed three Quad. 1 wins that will be a huge boost come March.
4. Colorado State: The Rams fall two spots through no fault of their own. David Roddy had 36 Sunday in a win over Creighton.
5. Loyola-Chicago: Drew Valentine’s team has rolled through the early part of its schedule though the first test comes Wednesday against Michigan State.
6. Drake: Only played one game this week but it was a huge home win against Richmond. A neutral site tilt against Belmont Thanksgiving night presents another chance at a quality win.
7. San Diego State: The Aztecs got a griddy home win over a talented Arizona State team. A December 4th against Michigan will be an emotional night for Brian Dutcher.
8. Saint Mary’s: The Gael’s have yet to be tested in the non-conference but look improved from last year. Playing in the Maui Invitational will be provide some good chances.
9. Ohio: The Bobcats gave Kentucky a nice test for a half. Ben Vander Plas is going to be a mid-major star come March.
10. San Francisco: The fourth WCC team to appear in the top 10. The Dons already have wins over Davidson and Nevada along with boasting outstanding metrics.
Just missed: Buffalo, Belmont, Utah State