Checking in on the… MEAC
Posted by rtmsf on January 9th, 2009JC of HBCUSportsBlog is the RTC correspondent for the SWAC and MEAC Conferences.
Just seven days into the New Year, and the MEAC got its biggest win of the season courtesy of a lackluster Maryland Terrapins team. The Morgan State Bears, a favorite to win the conference in 2009, came into College Park as definitive underdogs. They were a team that hadn’t played up to the standard they set in last season’s 20-win campaign, going against a Terrapin squad that was playing much better than its disappointing 07-08 in which they dropped three games to mid-major conferences.
This one’s for you, Morgan State.
THIS WEEK – There was no bigger victory in the MEAC or any black college conference than Wednesday night’s road victory for Morgan State. Sharp outside shooting and tough inside presence helped the Bears erase a 14-point second half deficit against the Terps, and ultimately led to a 66-65 win and the scorn of Terrapin faithful.
WHAT’S HELPING
- Reggie Holmes is hitting his stride at just the right time. He has been the leading scorer in five of the last six games for Morgan, including 25 points and eight rebounds against the Terps.
- Kevin Thompson is evolving into a solid post presence for the Bears. Already the team’s leading rebounder, Thompson has had 10 rebounds or more in four of the Bears’ last six.
WHATS HURTING
- Marquise Kately, a senior forward who was expected to fill the scoring void left by Jamar Smith, has stuggled in shooting lately, converting on only 43 percent from the field and 63 percent from the free throw line.
- Point guard Jermaine Bolden is asserting himself offensively, and that doesn’t work well for the Bears. In games where Bolden has taken more than 10 shots, the Bears are 1-5.
WHATS NEXT?
Conference play begins with notable home games for the Bears.
- North Carolina A&T @ Morgan – Saturday, Jan. 20 – The Aggies are the only team in the MEAC with more than two players averaging double-figures in scoring (four to be exact.) Will be a tough test for the Bears after such a big win.
- Hampton @ Morgan – Monday, Jan. 26 – Will likely be a preview of the conference final between two of the top teams in the MEAC.
