The VMI Keydets and Northern Arizona Lumberjacks face off on Saturday in a college basketball showdown at Gila River Arena. 

Disappointing Start for VMI

VMI has struggled to start the season and coming into this game he sits with a 1-3 record overall. On Friday they faced off against South Dakota and the defense really struggled giving up 85 points and that led to the defeat. At half time they were down by two and they couldn’t ever bounce back as they lost. Breanna Watkins did have a strong game putting up 27 points, one rebound and one assist. There were four different players that finished with at least 10 points. The offense overall has been pretty good, but the defense has been an issue and that is going to need to be better here. 

Bad Second Half Hurt Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona has only one win and the defense has really let them down. On Friday the defense gave up 42 points in the second half and that led to the defeat. Trenton McLaughlin had a strong game putting up 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists. There are were four different players that finished with at least 10 points. The only win for Northern Arizona came in the last game against Seattle and in that game the defense was the difference. Against UConn earlier this season they were defeated 95-52. 

Shane’s Free Pick

VMI is going to get the job done here. I trust their offense and they are going to find success here. VMI is a good offensive team and they are going to have no issue running up the score. VMI is going to score at least 85 points and that will be enough for the Keydets to get the job done. Back VMI against the spread.