The Tiffin University men's basketball team will take on two tough customers this week, going head-to-head with #5 Ferris State University on Thursday, and then Lake Superior State University who is receiving votes in the NABC poll. The Dragons offense came to life last time out, and now will look to shore up their defense after allowing 94.5 points per game at the Ashland University Classic.
Tiffin University vs. #5 Ferris State University
Series Record: The Bulldogs have lost only once to the Dragons, and hold a 10-1 series lead. The lone loss came two years ago in Tiffin as the Dragons downed the Bulldogs 84-83.
Location: Jim Wink Arena - 210 Sports Dr. Big Rapids, MI 49307
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Last Matchup: The Bulldogs took it to the the Dragons last year, defeating Tiffin 96-65. Tiffin had four players in double figures, but allowed the Bulldogs to hit 49.3% of their field goal attempts. The Dragons had a tough time getting to the rack because of Zach Hankins. The Bulldogs center collected 8 of Ferris State's 13 total blocks.
Desperate For Defense: The Dragons are 258th of 301 NCAA Division II teams in scoring defense, allowing an average of 83.8 points per game. Tiffin has held only one opponent under 70 points this season, and are allowing the opposition to shoot 51.5% from the field. The three point line has been the devil the Dragons have been unable to shake this year, sitting 282nd in the nation in three point field goal defense.
Clean The Glass: Tiffin is averaging 31 rebounds per game, and are 267th in the nation in total rebounds. Tiffin has had success on the offensive glass, placing them 5th in the GLIAC. The defensive glass has been the issue for the Dragons, collecting only 20.2 per game which is 9th in the GLIAC.
Carrying The Load: Austin Adams is 5th in the nation in offensive boards per game (5.0), and is grabbing 28.4% of Tiffin's total rebounds. Austin has collected eight or more boards in 60% of Tiffin's games thus far. Adams is averaging 18.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
Downtown Alex Brown: Tiffin University senior Alex Brown eclipsed 1,000 career points his last time on the floor, scoring 31 points. Alex leads Tiffin in scoring, averaging 19.4 per game, and a large part of his success is due to his efficiency from beyond the arc. Brown is hitting 52.6% of his attempts from three, a 15.1% increase from his previous season high set back in 2015.
Denied: Ferris State's defense is 33rd in the nation, allowing only 66.0 points per game. Opponents are having a tough time scoring due to the Bulldogs interior defense which is 2nd in the nation in total blocks and 12th in blocks per game. Ferris State is 3rd in the nation in total steals and 38th in turnovers forced.
Big Man On Campus: Zach Hankins was chosen as the GLIAC Preseason Player of the Year, and has lived up to the hype thus far. Hankins is averaging 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Zach is 10th in the nation in blocks per game, 32nd in field goal percentage, 15th in total rebounds, and 2nd in total blocks.
Leader Of The Pack: Drew Cushingberry leads Ferris State in scoring at 15.0 points per game. The senior guard is averaging 6.4 assists per game which is 21st in the nation. Against Tiffin last season Cushingberry did more distributing than scoring, logging 10 assists, 6 rebounds, and four points on 1 of 8 shooting.
Tiffin University vs. Lake Superior State University (RV)
Series Record: The Lakers hold a 9-2 lead in the series since 2008. The Lakers are currently on a six game winning streak against Tiffin.
Location: Norris Center - Bud Cooper Gymnasium - 1000 Meridian St. Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783
Media:
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Last Matchup: The Dragons fell on the road to the Lakers last season in a high scoring affair. Tiffin allowed 102 point to Lake Superior State, with 45 points coming from beyond the three point line. Tiffin never gave up, trailing by as much as 30 points before making a late run. Austin Adams had a monster game for Tiffin posting 26 points and 19 rebounds with 11 being offensive boards.
New Additions Making Moves: Tiffin freshman Justin Miller is averaging 7.8 points and 1.6 assists per game and made the transition from bench player to starter just two games into the season. Since becoming a starter Miller has scored in double figures in two of Tiffin's last three games. Shane Waldon has been a nice addition as well, averaging 10 points for Tiffin. Waldon has scored 10 or more points in three games for the Dragons.
Wind In Their Sails: Lake Superior State is 5-1 this season and are receiving votes in the national coaches' poll. The lone loss for the Lakers came against Cedarville after defeating nationally ranked Findlay the night before. Lake Superior State is beating the opposition by an average of 14.2 points, and are allowing less than 70 points per contest.
Ball Security: The Lakers are 17th in the nation in turnovers per game, committing only 10.2. On the defensive end, Lake Superior State is 50th in total steals and 35th in the nation in steals per game.
Jack Of All Trades: Akaemji Williams leads the Lakers in scoring (21.5 ppg), distribution with 7.9 assists per game, and steals per game with 3.0. Nationally, Williams is 14th in the nation in assists per game, 17th in steals per game, 18th in total assists, and 18th in total steals.