USD Prepares for Biggest Game of the Year

As we all know, USD takes on Saint Mary's in the JCP Thursday at 6:00 on ESPN2. Hands down, this is the biggest game of the year thus far and, when you weigh the situation, it may be the biggest game of the season altogether.

At 12-7, USD's RPI sits at a paltry 140 with a 166 SOS. With an RPI of 54, Saint Mary's brings in the opportunity of changing both statistics for the better. With our only two remaining games that can make an impact before bracket busters being @Saint Mary's and @Gonzaga, we need to win this one to get a good opponent. This game embodies our CBI, NIT, and NCAA hopes.

At 17-1, Saint Mary's really hasn't beaton much of anyone. With a SOS that sits at an absolutely terrible 254, many question the legitimacy of their #22 ranking in this weeks coaches poll. The Gaels' biggest wins are a three point victory over the San Diego State (MWC RPI 54) on a neutral floor, an 81-75 win over the Providence Friars (Big East RPI 82), and a 78-73 win at Oregon (Pac 10 RPI 118). The rest of the Gaels schedule consists of teams that have proved to be very week this year. Kent State, Cal State Fullerton, and Fresno State all have signifigantly weighed down the Gaels RPI and SOS with their weak performances this season.

Though the Gaels schedule has been lacking this season, there is no denying their talent. The Gaels are led by Patrick Mills, point guard of the Australlian national team and All-WCC performer, who averages 19 points and 4 assists a game this season. Patty, as they call him, is not the only weapon the Gaels possess. Omar Samhan and Diamon Simpson provide steady hands on the low block for Saint Mary's. The 6'11'' Samhan averages nearly 14 points and 10 rebounds while his counterpart, the 6'7'' forward Simpson, adds nearly 13 points and 11 rebounds on his own. Guard Carlan Hughes and forward Ian O'leary also contribute to the Gaels scoring.

So what does USD have to do to win?

The answer: follow these three steps.

Step 1- Slow the tempo.

With the return of Trumaine Johnson, the Toreros have won their last six games, all of which the sophmore guard has started. USD has also won eight of their last nine. Over that stretch, the Toreros have scored 68.2 points per game compared to Saint Mary's 76.1.

Now, eight points is not a lot, but it can most definately make or break a team in a game. The Gael's enjoy pushing the tempo. Patrick Mills may be the fastest guard in the nation, so the Toreros must gameplan to stop the Gaels and slow them down so that they are unable to push the ball in transition. Santa Clara was able to do this earlier this month and nearly came up with the victory with players that are younger and inferior to USD's. Patrick Mills saved the day with a last gasp three pointer and the Gaels walked away with a 63-62 victory.

Step 2- Control the boards or, at least, compete for them.

Where the Gaels are effective in transition, they are also very good on the offensive glass. Omar Samhan and Diamon Simpson combine for 139 offensive rebounds this year. To put this into perspective, Gyno Pomare and Rob Jones combine for only 72. This leads us to our second key to the game, keeping Samhand and Simpson away from the boards. Whether it be boxing out better, crashing the boards harder, or getting the two into foul trouble, the Toreros will have to rebound better in this game or suffer the consequences. Foul trouble would be ideal, as the Gaels are relatively shallow in effective bench bigs. Roberto Mafra and Chris Lewis should also be considered for a sizeable increase in minutes. Chris Lewis, especially, would be an excellent option as he is fundamentally sound on the defensive end with his specific attention to detail and technique.

Step 3- Play hard from the get go.

Key to the game #3 is quite simple: come out early and play with post season intensity. USD will not win with the same effort it showed against both Pepperdine and LMU. We cannot sleep walk through this one. After taking both games against the Gaels last year on our home floor, we can only expect the men for Moraga to be hungry for revenge. Let's face it, the Gaels have had this one circled on their calenders since the WCC schedule debuted in September. We need to be prepared to play a full 40 minutes of high intensity basketball or we will lose. Plain and simple. You have to play hard to beat Saint Mary's.

If we do all of these things, we should be alright. The game should be very fun and exciting, but remember to keep it clean! We are on ESPN2 and this is an excellent chance for not only recruits to see us, but prospective students as well. Let's show the world that last years win was not a fluke. We are here to stay and stay with class.

Go Toreros!

Happy birthday Rob Jones!