St. Thomas over the last two seasons has done a tremendous job in these early season MTE’s, and have a chance over the next three days to do the same. The most exciting win of the D1 era happened at an MTE (Multiple Team Event) around a year ago when Andrew Rohde’s ZooTown Classic buzzer beater over Troy, in what would be UST’s best win of that season. Also who could forget UST’s drubbing of SIU-E 86-73 on day 3 of 3 in the Youngstown MTE, proving that a bunch of D3 players have the endurance to stand up to Division 1 stresses.
The Tommie’s are now in Riverside California facing the strongest field so far in an MTE with Cal Poly, Cal Baptist, and Portland State. Over the last week we have seen St. Thomas do something they rarely do, win a game with less than 6 three pointers. They were 0-6 in those games leading into the Idaho State game in the D1 era. Going back further in the Tauer era the last time the Tommies had a game with only 1 three pointer, they cut down the net: 2015-16 D3 Championship Game (UST 82 Benedictine 76)
Opponent Preview
UST vs Cal Poly
This is a game where UST has to be licking their chops. Cal Poly was picked last in the Big West likely due to their 18 game conference losing streak to end the season last year. They got demolished by Denver earlier in November, 97-76. Their guy to watch out for is Cal Transfer Jarred Hyder who even in a slow start has played pretty well, he also is an ironman playing 37-38 minutes a game. He had 25 against Wyoming. Where Cal Poly is the most in trouble is they play the worst perimeter defense in the country.
Score Prediction UST-84 Cal Poly 70
UST vs Cal Baptist
Cal Baptist completed their Division 1 full adjustment period last year under the guidance of Coach Rick Croy, who led them to the D2 tournament every year from 2014-2018. They were picked 7th in the WAC. They are 2-0 in their early games, and they get Portland State tonight. Their best player is JUCO transfer PG Dominique Daniels who against Jackson State had 25 earning him WAC newcomer of the week. Listed at 5-10, is someone that is perfect for Ryan Dufault to chase around. UST will be familiar with one player Hunter Goodrick, who played for South Dakota, his last time out vs UST he scored 10. He is Cal Baptists’ best returner, and is their biggest weapon in the paint. Both teams like to score from 3, and Cal Baptist is significantly worse at defending them, Ranking 348th in the country.
Score Prediction: UST 76 Cal Baptist 72
UST vs Portland State
Portland State will probably come into this game winning 6 in a row. They are hot, and have wins the UCSB Gauchos, and the Air Force Academy. Portland State is a very balanced team, and ranks close to the bottom of their Assist rate, which means this game is going to come down to having the right matchups. Portland State finished just above Idaho State to get 5th in the Big Sky conference poll. Similar to the Idaho State game, this game should be close the whole way. This is also a rare team where UST may have the height advantage. I am going to give UST the edge based solely their performance beating Idaho State.
Score Prediction: UST 71 Portland State 76
Plus 3
1.) Raheem Anthony’s performance against Idaho State indicated that he is ready to breakout during this MTE.
2.) UST is 31-58 on shots close to the rim, firmly below average. Explaining that may be they rank 341st in the % of possessions going to the FT line. The refs needs to gives the Tommies a break!
3.) An early observation by me is that “competitive parity” is the closest between the top and bottoms teams since UST has been in the Summit League.