So far this season, the Penn State men's basketball team has struggled to get a consistent post game going. Tuesday night, the University of Maryland-Baltimore County could provide the cure.
The Retrievers play an offense that often features four perimeter players around one post man, and use a 1-3-1 zone on defense. Nittany Lions coach Ed DeChellis said despite UMBC's 0-7 record, the Retrievers have played close contests and had chances against James Madison and Towson.
"They've got two perimeter players that can score. They've played a lot of close games. The only game they were blown out of was [George Washington] where they just didn't play well that day," DeChellis said. "They present some problems because they play four perimeter players. They have a big post kid, a seven-footer who's pretty good inside, and at times they'll spread the floor."
Defending a four-guard offense could prove problematic for Penn State, and DeChellis said he would use a smaller lineup, meaning guards Talor Battle, Tim Frazier and Chris Babb could all be on the floor at the same time. The coach said matching up against short, fast guards who can shoot would be a challenge for forwards Jeff Brooks and DJ Jackson.
However, playing a small lineup leaves UMBC vulnerable should the Lions get the ball into the paint, where they can exploit their size. Jackson said using Brooks and center Drew Jones' size could get easy baskets for the team, in turn freeing up the guards.
"Coach is going to put the five guys out there he thinks can do the best and win the game," Jackson said. "As bigs or as guards our roles have to adjust but we'll be ready for it. We know that UMBC is going to come in here and play hard and try to get a W so we're just going to go out there and fight hard, defend them and rebound."
DeChellis said keeping Retrievers guards Chauncey Gilliam and Shawn Grant in check will be the key to earning a win. If the four-guard system causes problems for the Lions on defense, DeChellis said he would match up, leaving just one post player while putting four perimeter players on the floor.
Defensively, UMBC will try to pressure the Lions into jump shots, preventing the ball from making its way into the post, which may also force the shift to a smaller lineup. Jackson said the team would focus on making smart passes to shift the zone and allow it to attack on the dribble.
Coming off a tough loss to Temple, Jackson said the Lions can't dwell on the past and have to focus on Tuesday's game. DeChellis said UMBC is a solid team and presents enough challenges that his team has to be prepared to play well if it wants to win.
"We can't let Temple beat us twice," Jackson said. "We're going to come out, we're focused on UMBC and coming out and doing the things we need to do to get a win."
