Canisius at Marist

Marist returns the best cast in the Metro Atlantic this year and coming off a 19-win campaign (12-6 mark in the league), they are likely to have all the ingredients to become an NCAA tourney team this year. Canisius is lacking a go-to player, and really struggles on the offensive end of the court. The Golden Griffins are hitting just over 40% and just 30% from three, and a paultry 60% from the line. They are not defending well either as they are yielding 47.5% a game. Marist has one of the top poinguards in the country in Jared Jordan (led NCAA in assists last year) and he has stepped up even more this year. Jordan is averaging 21.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, and 8.6 apg. He is supported in the backcourt by sharpshooting Will Whittington who is averaging 18.4 ppg, and sizzling from beyond the arc at 45.6%. If that is not enough add in 7'0" C james Smith 13.2 ppg and 7.4 rpg, and this team has it inside and out. There is just too much firepower on the court for Canisius to stay in this one.