Davidson Wildcats
Atlantic 10 (24-7, 14-4)
Davidson always seems to be on the mid-major bubble. They also always seem to be a giant-killer when they make it to the tournament. This season has been a good one for the Wildcats in a surprisingly challenging Atlantic-10. Davidson has remained consistent and found themselves fighting for the top spot until the last week of the season.
Big Wins: 1/3 Richmond (81-67), 1/20 Dayton (77-60), 3/5 VCU (82-55)
Bad Losses: 1/17 at Richmond (63-89), 1/31 at St. Joseph’s (70-75), 2/4 St. Bonaventure (61-62)
Coach: Bob McKillop
Why They Can Surprise:
The Wildcats are an offensive juggernaut. They are in the top five in scoring (80 points per game). They are excellent playing team basketball in the half-court, but they can kill you on the fast break as well. Five of their players average double figures in points. Double that and you have the number of players that contribute more than ten minutes per game. Their depth allows them to play the possession game and keep players fresh. They averaged less turnovers then everyone in A-10, and were one of the best in the nation at possession advantage. Davidson is deadly from beyond the arc, which is part of the reason they score so many points. Forcing uncharacteristic mistakes is the only way to slow this team down.
Why They Can Disappoint:
Davidson is great from the perimeter, but they do not have a dominant big man presence to help control the interior. They are a guard-oriented team. An opponent with a good inside game can create problems for them. It also makes rebounding an issue. They are so successful at scoring that the disparity in rebounding margin is not as glaring as it could be, but it could haunt them in a one-off situation against a bigger, longer team. Consequently, their defense could cause them problems in the half-court. Close-range shots work against Davidson. It could spell a long night for them in the tournament. They are also very young and inexperience could hurt their ability to advance.
Probable Starters:
Tyler Kalinoski, Senior, Guard, 17.0 ppg, 4.1 apg, 5.6 rpg
Jack Gibbs, Sophomore, Guard, 16.3 ppg, 4.8 apg
Brian Sullivan, Junior, Guard, 12.8 ppg, 3.9 apg
Jordan Barham, Junior, Guard, 11.9 ppg, 1.1 apg, 6.0 rpg
Peyton Aldridge, Freshman, Forward, 9.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.1 bpg
Key Roleplayers:
Andrew McAuliffe, Sophomore, Forward, 2.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg
Oskar Michelsen, Freshman, Forward, 5.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg
Nathan Ekwu, Freshman, Forward, 3.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 80.6 (4th in nation, 1st in conference)
Scoring Defense: 68.2 (234, 10)
Field-Goal Percentage: 47.6 (28, 1)
Field-Goal Defense: 43.7 (207, 11)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 10.9 (2, 1)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 40.1 (8, 1)
Free-Throw Percentage: 72.0 (73, 2)
Rebound Margin: 1.7 (124, 7)
Assists Per Game: 17.4 (3, 1)
Turnovers Per Game: 9.6 (6, 1)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2014 NIT First Round loss to Missouri
2013 NCAA Second Round loss to Marquette
2012 NCAA Second Round loss to Louisville
2011 CBI First Round win over James Madison
2011 CBI Second Round loss to Creighton
2009 NIT First Round win over South Carolina
2009 NIT Second Round loss to St. Mary's
2008 NCAA Round of 64 win over Gonzaga
2008 NCAA Round of 32 win over Georgetown
2008 NCAA Regional Semifinal win over Wisconsin
2008 NCAA Regional Final loss to Kansas
2007 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Maryland
2006 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Ohio State
*all team stats through 3/8
See All Men’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
