Player of the Week:
JeeNathan Williams, F, Buffalo
The record for the Buffalo Bulls from the MAC has been disappointing. However, the senior forward has been the shining light for a struggling program. Sitting at 6-6 on the year, Buffalo has dropped four out of the last five games, with two of them being conference games. Williams has managed to consistently drop double-digit points. In those five games, four of them have shown the forward hit a 40% clip or better from the floor, with a 13.6% shooting percentage being the outlier in the loss to Canisius, but Williams made up for it in the rebound category, racking up 14 boards. Averaging 18.6 points per game and 19.7 points per game on the road, Williams has been stepping up his game against MAC opponents, with the Northern Illinois Huskies coming up.
Who’s Hot?
Kenneth Lofton Jr., F, Louisiana Tech
The past three games have been a roller coaster for the big man in Rustin, Louisiana. After a lackluster performance against the Marshall Thundering Herd, where he posted seven points and six rebounds, Lofton decided to get revenge, and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, who came off a humiliating performance against rebound king Oscar Tshiebwe and the Kentucky Wildcats, were in his path of destruction. The forward ended his night with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. The score was close, but the Bulldogs pulled off the win, with Lofton as a big contributor.
San Francisco Dons, West Coast Conference
After a deflating loss to the Grand Canyon Antelopes, San Francisco had a tough test ahead with a trip to Tempe, Arizona to take on the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Dons walked in and did not let the Curtain of Distraction get to them, as they walked out of the building with a win against a Power 5 program. San Francisco continued their winning ways over the next two games as they improved to 13-1 on the season. The team caught a bit of a break when their game against the Saint Mary’s Gaels had been postponed. This gives the team more time to prepare for one of their toughest games ahead against the No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs. With how difficult the WCC is this season, every win matters if the Dons want an at-large bid into the tournament.
Who’s Not?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Conference USA
After a three-game skid, the Hilltoppers won seven out of eight, while bringing down an in-state rival in Louisville. Once Western Kentucky stepped into Rupp Arena, in part of a fundraising event to help those affected in the destruction in several areas of the state of Kentucky, their success faltered. Oscar Thsiebwe introduced himself to the team by grabbing 28 boards in a 35-point victory for the Wildcats. Their next game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles got postponed, which opened up more time for planning out Louisiana Tech’s gameplan. The Hilltoppers got close, but couldn’t pull through in the end, falling to the Bulldogs by one point.
Marshall Thundering Herd, Conference USA
All was looking well for the Thundering Herd to start their season. The last four games have put a damper on that start. Four straight losses for Marshall, with one being a conference game against Louisiana Tech. These losses were all more than 10 points, with the margin getting progressively worse as the schedule went on. Luckily for them, their game against Southern Miss was postponed. Now with the extra rest, the Thundering Herd can focus on their strategy against FAU.
Top 5 Uniforms in the Mid-Majors
5.) Loyola Chicago Away
The maroon base and the gold lettering gives a sophisticated aesthetic to the school’s brand, pairing well with the scarves that the fans all wear, making the school look more like a house in Hogwarts than a basketball team. But the kicker is the script lettering on the front. You can never go wrong with script lettering.
4.) Memphis Tigers “Memphis State”
It’s weird to see that specific name considering Memphis is not a state to begin with, but the uniforms the team brought out against the Crimson Tide may have helped in the team’s upset win. White uniforms always look sleek, especially with the MSU letters with a pouncing tiger on the shorts.
3.) San Diego Teal Script
The Toreros decided to get in touch with the teal and make a light uniform with the script lettering. It has a sleek look and an appealing look to the eye. Having to see these uniforms in a night game brings Venice Beach vibes to each and every gameday.
2.) Princeton Orange
Orange is an eye-popping color, especially on a basketball court. The Ivy League school went simple with their jersey look. The lettering is a basic block lettering but having the orange base is a great thing to see on the court.
1.) Wichita State White
The Shockers writing across the chest gives homage to their Midwest roots, with jagged edges. The borders around the collar and arm holes with a yellow stripe in between two black stripes give it a nice touch. Though some may give it a comparison to the uniforms of the UMBC Golden Retrievers, the lettering is what makes it stand out more.