Coming off a decisive 59-43 loss to first place Colgate University, the Eagles are looking to rebound against Lehigh University on Feb.12. With only six games left in the regular season, every game is pivotal in securing a favorable position in the Patriot League tournament.
Currently the Eagles will enter the Patriot League tournament as the fourth seed. AU stands to host the fifth seed in the quarterfinals if the standings hold. Due to the parity in the league, only one game separates the Eagles from hosting a playoff game and traveling to play in the tournament.
AU (13-11, 6-6 PL) is presently looking up at Colgate (12-14, 9-4 PL), Bucknell (14-12, 9-4 PL), and Lehigh (13-10, 7-5 PL) in the standing while fighting off three teams, Loyola (6-7, 10-14 PL), Lafayette (14-10, 6-7 PL), BU (10-14, 6-7 PL), who are just one game behind in the loss column.
After a season on the road, The Eagles will finish the year playing four of their last six games at home. American has a 6-1 record at Bender Arena. The road has taken a toll on the team, as the Eagles have compiled a 5-10 record in enemy territory.
In facing the third place Lehigh Mountain Hawks, the Eagles have a significant opportunity to gain ground in the Patriot League standings. The last meeting between the two teams finished with senior guard Darius “Pee-Wee” Gardner draining a 3-pointer to beat the buzzer, handing AU the 62-59 win.
Led by sophomore center Tim Kempton, Lehigh has been on a tear, winning six of their last seven games. The 6-foot-10-inch reigning Patriot League rookie of the year recorded a double-double in his previous game against the Eagles, scoring 24 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. With the significant injuries the Eagles frontcourt it will be difficult to stop or even contain Kempton. It will be senior center Kevin Panzer’s responsibility to guard the rim, but if the big man gets into foul trouble head coach Mike Brennan will be forced to put an overmatched 6-foot-5-inch Marko Vasic on Kempton. Conceivably freshman 7-foot center Gabe Brown can get a look if the circumstances are right.
While Lehigh has found it’s groove since their last meeting, AU has hit a wall losing four of their last six games. Offensive inconsistencies, second half slumps and a lack of rebounds has plagued the Eagles down the stretch.
As AU attempts to find its footing, sophomore forward Charlie Jones and junior forward Marko Vasic have emerged. Jones has developed into an real offensive threat leading the team in shooting percentage (55 percent) and averaging 7.8 points per game game. While Brennan scarcely uses his bench, he has found a high energy, 50 percent shooting sixth man in Vasic.
The Eagles will finally return to Bender Arena for a matchup against Lafayette on Feb. 14.
jreyes@theeagleonline.com
