A special opportunity exists this afternoon for Appalachian State and heach coach Jim Fox. The Mountaineers will suit up against Hofstra in the worlds most famous arena, Madison Square Garden at 1pm.
The Apps have struggled recently, as freshman players adapt to the speed and physicality of the college game and a new rules package that emphasizes less contact. Despite the tough start, Appalachian is slowly putting it together. Playing the complete game still has yet to occur as poor shooting and turnovers have been what has plagued the Mountaineers.
Hofstra has started the season 5-2, with a marquee win over Florida State. The Pride are a high scoring bunch, averaging 85.3 points per game and shoot the ball well in all three phases of the game. Four players are scoring in double figures led by Juan’ya Green with 18.4 points per contest. Green also dishes out 7.6 assists per game. Theier offense runs through Green, accounting for over 30 points per game alone. The Apps will need a big defensive effort to contain him.
The current spread is Hofstra -13.5, which is down from the opening line at 17. I hate doing this, picking against the Apps, but they have been on the road for several games consecutively and the Pride are playing in their backyard. I’ll take Hofstra at -13.5