That is the mission for San Jose State University basketball in Colorado Springs on Wednesday.
AF (7-6, 0-2) has played a rather cupcake schedule full of Grambling States, Colorado Christians and Western States. As for common foes, Coach Dave Pilipovich's guys lost 81-75 on the road to UC Davis.
The Falcons are coming off an 80-62 bopping by up-to-then offensive laggard Nevada. The Wolf Pack shot 48%, dominated the rebounding and went to the foul line 17 more times (a total of 35) -- this with a frontline featuring really just a solitary solid shotblocker/rebounder.
To win, the AF typically must get strong, efficient efforts from this trio:
* 6-foot-4 senior guard Max Yon -- 14.7 points per game, 51%, 42%, 71% shooting respectively. Half of his shots have been from long distance.
* 6-foot-9, 220 senior Marek Olesinski - -8.5 points, 4.8 rebounds a game, 51%, 36% (41 trey attempts) and 79% shooting
* 6-foot-6 senior Justin Hammonds -- 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds a game
Trevor Lyons is the point and owns a 29/10 assist-to-turnover ratio while fellow guard Matt Mooney is averaging 7.1 points alongside a 32/17 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Second leading scorer and top boardman this season Kamryn Williams is injured and sidelined while guard Tre' Coggins, last season's leading scorer, transferred and is sitting out this season at Cal State Fullerton.
As a team AF is connecting on 49% of all shot attempts, holding opponents to 40%, so this is a team that can shoot. There won't be any physical overpowering but rather a unique offense employed, often labeled the Princeton style. It's generally four players on the perimeter with a big at the top of the key. Players are always in motion, attempting to find or create a breakdown to utilize. There will be lots of screens and backdoor cuts.
Another factor is elevation as Colorado Springs is 6,000 feet high. The Spartans will need all the (bodies) lungs they can muster.
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