The final is 64-50 ACU. Another very physical game on the road for the Cats. DSU disrupted our shooting, but they couldn't stop the turnover bleeding.

ACU beats Dixie State 64 to 50 -- a defensive struggle

ACU's defensive quickness is proving to be a problem for other WAC teams. To beat a team like ACU, that team is going to need to shoot the ball lights out and dominate the boards. Or, that team is going to need to know how to win ugly in a grinder game; throwing all the stats out the window.

(01-02-2022 04:57 AM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  ACU's defensive quickness is proving to be a problem for other WAC teams. To beat a team like ACU, that team is going to need to shoot the ball lights out and dominate the boards. Or, that team is going to need to know how to win ugly in a grinder game; throwing all the stats out the window.

And hit your free throws. ACU fouls more than any team in the nation.

The big three appear to be New Mexico State, Grand Canyon, and Abilene Christian; with Stephen F. Austin, Utah Valley, and Cal Baptist nipping at their heels. Dixie State, Chicago State, and Lamar will battle to stay out of the cellar. Tarlton State is dangerous. And Seattle has the offensive pieces to win on any given night. The jury is still out on Sam Houston State and UT Rio Grande Valley.

With only 10 teams going to the WAC tourney, and Tarleton and Dixie State still not eligible, it looks like Chicago State and Lamar will battle for the 10th spot to go to the WAC tournament. Just my opinion.

(01-02-2022 02:13 PM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  The big three appear to be New Mexico State, Grand Canyon, and Abilene Christian; with Stephen F. Austin, Utah Valley, and Cal Baptist nipping at their heels. Dixie State, Chicago State, and Lamar will battle to stay out of the cellar. Tarlton State is dangerous. And Seattle has the offensive pieces to win on any given night. The jury is still out on Sam Houston State and UT Rio Grande Valley.

With only 10 teams going to the WAC tourney, and Tarleton and Dixie State still not eligible, it looks like Chicago State and Lamar will battle for the 10th spot to go to the WAC tournament. Just my opinion.

I would include UVU in the group of 3 after New Mexico State. I think they are much closer to the top teams than the middle teams, but it just depends on how you split it I guess. I think your ordering is fairly close.

I think Dixie can finish above Sam Houston and I think Chicago will pick off at least one, maybe 2 teams they wouldn't be expected to. I don't know if Lamar will win more than 1 conference game.

Seattle is still a tough team to predict. I'd out them about 5-6 right now. There are still a couple of teams I don't feel like I have a good feel for, like SHS and RGV.

ACU's Cameron Steele has been selected WAC Player of the Week. And Chicago State's Ali Abdou Dibba was selected WAC Freshman of the Week.

Steele is the first players from the new WAC schools (Texas Four) to be awarded a Player of the Week honor. Until then every WAC player of the WAC thus far had been from schools already in the WAC for multiple years.

(01-03-2022 12:22 PM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote:  ACU's Cameron Steele has been selected WAC Player of the Week. And Chicago State's Ali Abdou Dibba was selected WAC Freshman of the Week.

Steele is the first players from the new WAC schools (Texas Four) to be awarded a Player of the Week honor. Until then every WAC player of the WAC thus far had been from schools already in the WAC for multiple years.

Steele has been a pleasant surprise to watch as he grows and matures into his role.