GMC Tournament: Semi-Final Preview

<p><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Photo by Tom Horak | NJ Advance Media</span></em></p> <p>The final four is set in the GMC Tournament. The dream matchup of St. Joe's Metuchen and St. Thomas Aquinas is still alive but they will have to get by two very tough opponents first. Here is a preview of what to expect from these two games on Wednesday night.</p> <p><strong>2- St. Thomas Aquinas vs. 6- Edison: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5:30 PM</strong></p> <p>St. Thomas Aquinas is hot. They have won their last 10 games including two double-digits victories in the GMCT. In round one, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/quadry-adams/">Quadry Adams</a> went off for 25 points. He was one of four Trojans in double-figures. They have a very young team that can score at will. Adams led the way once again in a 53-43 win over Colonia in the quarterfinals. The Wake Forest commit has been their catalyst all season long. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaquan-harris/">Jaquan Harris</a> and Samar Abdullah have been viable options on the offense end as well. Harris is a player that can do it all. This Trojans' team is the most talented they have had in quite some time. They were the favorites to win this tournament coming into the season and it is possible if they continue to play the way they have been.</p> <p>Edison took advantage of an upset in round two. No. 14 Old Bridge upset No. 3 New Brunswick which left Edison with a very winnable game. The sixth-seed took advantage of their opportunity. Edison picked up a 77-62 win over Old Bridge led by Malachi White with 22 points and Emanuel Davila with 20. White and Davila also scored 20 or more points in their first game against East Brunswick. Edison has a strong duo that can take over a game. White and Davila will have to match Adams and Harris if they want to take down the Trojans. This game will be won on the offensive end. Defenses will struggle to get stops because of the dynamic ability of the scorers.</p> <p><strong>1- St. Joe's Metuchen vs. 4- South Brunswick: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7:30 PM</strong></p> <p>St. Joe's has a long history of success in the GMC. They are the defending champions and No. 1 seed once again. The Falcons were tested in round one against Wardlaw-Hartridge. It was just a three-point victory thanks to K-Shawn Schulter's 17 points. St. Joe's allowed Wardlaw's Savion Pressley to score 29 points and keep his team in the game. They might not survive another game if they give another defensive effort like this one. The Falcons tightened up in the quarterfinals allowing just 40 points to Dunellen. Schulters went for double-digits again along with <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/amari-campbell/">Amari Campbell</a> and Adam Slawinski. St. Joe's is a deep team but their ability to play inside and out is the most impressive. That is something they will need to use a lot against South Brunswick.</p> <p>South Brunswick has played St. Joe's twice already this season. They split the first two meetings. They have won their last eight games. Against Piscataway, South Brunswick put up 86 points. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyrell-murchison/">Tyrell Murchison</a> led the way with 23 points followed by <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-carbone/">Justin Carbone</a> with 20. They followed that up with a 71 point performance against Carteret. Carbone led the way with 24 points while <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/devin-strickland/">Devin Strickland</a> finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Remember Pressley's performance against St. Joe's? If Carbone can continue his hot streak, South Brunswick has a chance to upset the defending champs. They have the ability to score on any defense in the state. This is an impressive offensive team who is averaging 77.5 points in the tournament. Will St. Joe's take over on defense or will South Brunswick score at will? We will find out on Wednesday night.</p>