Game Preview: Moeller vs. LaSalle Part III
Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Enquirer
If you are a fan, student or alumni of the GCL-South you are in for a treat on Friday night. The LaSalle Lancers and the Moeller Crusaders meet for the 3rd time this season with a trip to D-I Final Four hanging in the balance. Can Moeller complete the season sweep and move on for the chance at another state title? Can LaSalle forget about the first two match-ups and win the most important match-up between these rival schools this season? With these questions being answered on Friday night, Prep Hoops is here to preview and predict the action that will take place at the Nutter Center on the campus of Wright State University.
LaSalle Keys to Victory: The Lancers are one of the better defensive teams in the state, with only two teams reaching the 50 point mark against Coach Dan Fleming squad. The problem for the Lancers usually comes on the offensive end. For the season the Lancers have two players in double figures, the backcourt of CJ Fleming (16.3ppg) and Tre Crigler (14.2ppg). This lack of scoring depth really hurt the Lancers in their two previous meetings against the Crusaders when Crigler and Fleming were the only two Lancers to score in double figures in both games. LaSalle must have a 3rd player step up on the offensive if the Lancers are looking to advance to the Final Four.
Moeller Keys to Victory: The Crusaders have to focus more on the defensive end than they did in their previous victory against Mason if they want to complete the season sweep of LaSalle. In the Mason game Moeller let the Comets shot 56% from the floor. While they were able to rally for the victory, against a team as well coached as LaSalle that may not be the case. Moeller must get off to a fast start and could use a big game from senior guard Keegan McDowell who struggled a bit against Mason shooting 3 of 8 from the field for 7 points.
Prediction: It is not an easy task to beat a team three times in one year, especially when the time doing the losing is one of the best teams in the state of Ohio. But LaSalle lack of offensive firepower really worries me. Moeller routinely has 3 to 4 players in double figures due to the offensive system Coach Karl Kremer uses. If you take one guy away for the Crusaders, somebody else just steps up to make big plays.
Moeller 45 – LaSalle 38