CU Men's Basketball Preview - at Union/Ithaca (1/11-12)

Winners of three straight, the Clarkson University Men's Basketball team looks to continue its march up the conference standings when it travels to take on Union College and Ithaca College this weekend.

Live Stats/Live Video – at Union
Live Stats/Live Video – at Ithaca

The Series vs. Union: The Golden Knights are 28-41 all-time against the Dutchmen, splitting last year's games with an overtime loss at home and a victory on the road, each of which were five-point margins. The two teams have needed overtime four times in the last 14 meetings.

The Series vs. Ithaca: Clarkson has won 19 times in 79 meetings against the Bombers, including a split last year. Clarkson won at home by 13 points (85-72) but dropped a five-point decision on the road. Senior Liam Ellis and junior Matt Higgins each posted 20 points or more in both games.

Key Stats for Clarkson (3-9, 2-3 Liberty League): For the first time since January 2012, the Golden Knights have scored 80 points or more in three straight games, all victories. Not surprisingly, Clarkson won all three contests back in January 2012 when it scored 80-plus points three straight contests. Clarkson ranks second in the Liberty League only to Ithaca in 3-point field goals made with 132. Matt Higgins has come alive as of late from deep, going 12-for-30 from beyond the arc in the last three games after making only 10 of 55 attempts in the first nine games of the year. Sophomore Jason Phelps has also upped his offense recently, averaging 13.7 points per game over the last three contests.

Key Stats for Union (5-5, 1-3 Liberty League): The Dutchmen lead the conference in field goal percentage (45.5%) and 3-point field goal percentage (40.0%) and have shot better than 42.9% from beyond the 3-point arc in six of the team's 10 games this year. Jackson Mannix leads the team in scoring with 16.4 points per game and is the top long-range shooter in the conference by percentage, making 50.0% (27-for-54) of his 3-point attempts. Brendan Laing leads the conference in field goal percentage at 61.1% and is averaging 13.6 points per contest. Those numbers have increased considerably over the past five games, as Laing is averaging 18.4 points per game with a 67.7% success rate during that stretch.

Key Stats for Ithaca (7-5, 3-2 Liberty League): Senior guard Riley Thompson ranks second in the Liberty League in scoring at 20.8 points per game thanks to eight 20-point games, though he has struggled a bit lately (17.0 ppg, 25.0% from 3-point line last five games). Bryan Karl averages 11.0 ppg as a reserve and ranks third in the conference in 3-pointers with 34. In his three 20-point games, Karl hit a combined 17 3-pointers, but in six games where he has scored six points or less he has made just six combined 3-pointers. Peter Ezema leads the team in rebounding (8.4 rpg) and is the top defensive rebounder (6.8 drpg) in the conference. Ezema also leads the conference in steals per contest (2.7 spg).

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Players Mentioned

#3 Liam Ellis: G; 5' 11"; Senior

#30 Matt Higgins: G; 6' 3"; Junior

#24 Jason Phelps: G; 6' 2"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#3 Liam Ellis
: 5' 11"; Senior
: G

#30 Matt Higgins
: 6' 3"; Junior
: G

#24 Jason Phelps
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: G

Scoreboard

Players Mentioned

#3 Liam Ellis

#30 Matt Higgins

#24 Jason Phelps

Players Mentioned

#3 Liam Ellis

#30 Matt Higgins

#24 Jason Phelps