What to expect: A 3-point shoot-out with ETSU

Virginia Commonwealth University hosts East Tennessee State University at the Stuart C. Siegel on Monday night in what promises to be a 3-point shoot-out.

December 22, 2014; 7:20 AM • by Aaron Williams

• What: VCU (7-3, 0-0) at ETSU (6-2, 1-1)
• Where: Stuart C. Siegel Center
• When: Monday, December 22nd at 7:00 PM
• Watch: CSN+
• Listen: Rams Radio
   

The Rundown

Almost two years ago, something special happened in Johnson City:

Troy Daniels flashbacks aside, Monday promises to be a 3-point shootout. VCU comes off of a 15-of-31 performance from 3-point range against Cincinnati, and almost every player on the roster is coming into his own from range including a rejuvenated Melvin Johnson. 

Meanwhile, ETSU ranks 12th nationally in 3-point shooting percentage (41.4), second in proportion of shot attempts taken from beyond the arc (.510), and first in percentage of points scored from range (46.3).

Furthermore, both defenses have struggled to defend the arc. VCU is improved, but the Rams rank 303rd in defensive 3-point percentage (38.1), and ETSU’s zone defense ranks 310th (38.3).

The Buccaneers are vastly improved since that early 2013 shellacking. On Tuesday, ETSU beat Eastern Kentucky on the road. Eastern Kentucky responded by beating #18 Miami 72-44. College basketball, in the present tense, is defined by parity (Kentucky aside), and the Bucs have the firepower to beat the Rams if some of VCU’s early season 3-point arc defensive woes reappear. 

Two years ago, Troy Daniels put on the most spectacular individual shooting performance in the history of the Black & Gold. Monday may not be as ESPN highlight worthy, but it could very well boast 25+ 3-pointers. 

The Prediction

KenPom picks VCU to win 86-68 with a 94% chance of victory. 

ETSU PROFILE

• Location: Johnson City, TN
• Enrollment: ~15,500
• Conference: Southern Conference
• All time series: VCU leads 3-0. 
• Last Meeting: 1/2/2013. VCU won 109-58. *

December 22, 2014 7:20 AM 0