AFA basketball: Three things to watch vs. Wyoming
AIR FORCE vs. WYOMING: THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. WILL WYOMING BE ABLE TO SCRAMBLE THE GAME?
As was the case Tuesday at UNLV, a key for Air Force will be playing at its tempo and not being pulled into a fast-paced game. That will be difficult against Wyoming, which, according to Air Force coach Jeff Reynolds, tries to make the game “a constant scramble,” with an assortment of presses and traps. “I think there are times – and this is no disrespect to them – but I think there are times when they defend you to turn you over, they don’t defend you to keep you from scoring,” Reynolds said. “They want to create havoc. That’s sort of their game plan.”
2. FREE-THROW SHOOTING
Eleven of the past 13 Wyoming-Air Force meetings have been decided by six or fewer points, including five in the past four seasons that were decided by three or fewer points, so this game could come down to free throws. Wyoming has been awful at the line of late, making just 63-of-113 free throws in its last four games (including 23-of-44 Wednesday against Utah). Air Force, meanwhile, has been better after a dreadful start in conference play. During its two-game road swing through Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, the Falcons made 78.6 percent of their free throws (22-of-28). They made just 55.4 percent (31-of-56) during their first four conference games.
3. THE CLUNE ARENA CROWD
Air Force has lost 10 straight Mountain West Conference games on its home floor, with its last victory coming on March 8, 2008. That’s quite a change from the glory years – the Falcons went 30-2 against MWC foes at Clune Arena from 2004 through 2007. But while Air Force averaged a scant 2,366 fans at its first 11 home games this season, Saturday could be different. It’s Air Force basketball homecoming weekend, and approximately 15 former players – including some who were key contributors when the Falcons were borderline unbeatable at Clune – will be in attendance. Their presence might draw out some fans. And perhaps lend the Falcons some much-needed karma.
Quote to note: “I think one of the good things about the UNLV game is it showed us we can really compete with anybody. And I think this is a great chance for us to win a game and end the (22-game Mountain West Conference regular season losing) streak. It just comes down to if we defend and play like we’re capable.” –Air Force senior forward/center Grant Parker.
Note to quote: Wyoming could be without starting center Adam Waddell. The 6-foot-10 sophomore center is questionable for today’s game after suffering an ankle injury in the Cowboys’ victory over Utah on Wednesday. Waddell had the best game of his career against the Utes, scoring 13 points with 22 rebounds. Wyoming already is without leading scorer Afam Muojeke, who suffered a season-ending knee injury Jan. 20 against BYU.
