UMass backers may want to keep an eye on totals this weekend?
Everybody and their mother remember UMass as being Marcus Camby in a box-and-one back in the John Calipari era, or Bruiser Flint’s boys playing stifling defense. Well, the Minutemen are the exact opposite under third-year coach Travis Ford. See, now, UMass does nothing but run, run and run some more.
Fortunately for opponents and bettors alike, the Minutemen play absolutely no defense whatsoever.
“We will get better defensively. We have no choice,” Ford told Masslive.com.
Bettors can be sure to see high totals this weekend as UMass kicks off the season with three games in three days, starting Friday against Cal-Poly State in Iowa. Saturday UMass takes on Northern Illinois, followed Sunday by a tough tilt versus Northern Iowa.
I see a problem here for Ford’s clan as it isn’t the deepest squad after losing last years’ A-10 Player of the Year Stephane Lasme and defensive glue stick Rashaun Freeman. In fact, Ford admittedly said that UMass’ lack of depth will prove costly this weekend. However, the coach has a big weakness, he loves to win.
“I’m a guy who likes to keep his best players in the game, but I have to be aware of the fatigue factor,” Ford said.
Without last year’s big guns, and with a coach who will reluctantly sub his best players to save their legs for Saturday and Sunday, can the Minutemen keep up the torrid pace they have displayed in the exhibition season (14 3’s pg, 26 apg, 29.5 fast break points per game)?
UMass unders may be worth having a look at this weekend my friends.
