The Quinnipiac men’s basketball team (1-0 overall, 0-0 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) will seek to continue their strong start as they take on the Brown University Bears (1-0 overall, 0-0 Ivy League). Both teams won their season openers, as the Bobcats took down the Dartmouth Big Green 78-77, while Brown toppled Johnson and Wales 106-78.
Players to Watch
Quinnipiac – Rich Kelly (Freshman Guard)
The freshman has been asked to man the offense for this season, and he has looked like a seasoned veteran so far. Kelly lead his team in assists with nine in the Dartmouth win, tacking on 11 points to go as well. He also made the go-ahead free throw with 4.3 seconds left to get the Bobcats the victory. He has looked poised so far, running this offense. Expect his calmness and skill to helm the Quinnipiac offense to a win.
Brown – Brandon Anderson (Sophomore Guard)
Coming off of a career high 21-point season opener, it is clear that Anderson is going to be a go-to guy for Brown this year. He had a strong freshman campaign for the Bears last season and has been asked to lead the offense this year. He was 16-for-17 on free throws made in their game against Johnson and Wales, so expect the aggressive guard to try and draw a lot of fouls and continue the excellence at the free throw line.
Keys to the Game
Quinnipiac – Need to Close Out
Quinnipiac held a 53-37 lead at one point in the second half in their game against Dartmouth. However, the Big Green went on a 12-0 run and cut that deficit to four points. Although they still came out with a win, that can’t be something coach Baker Dunleavy can be happy with. The Bobcats need to learn to hold a lead, as they will not be always as lucky, especially against a Brown team that went on a solid 15-0 run in their opener.
Brown – Draw Fouls
Getting 24 points off of free throws certainly made it easier for the Browns against Johnson and Wales, but drawing the fouls for points is not the only benefit. Quinnipiac’s Chaise Daniels ran into foul trouble late in the game against Dartmouth and was forced to sit. If Brown can cause players like Daniels to sit on the bench because of fouls, it will be a huge asset for them to come out with a win.
The Game
Be sure to tune into the broadcast of the game between Quinnipiac and Brown at the TD Bank Sports Center at 7 p.m. Monday. On the call will be Ryan Chichester and Bryan Murphy. To receive updates on the game, follow @QBSN on Twitter.
