Scouting Report - American 11/29

The Fairfield Stags (2-3) will look to get back to .500 as they host American University (4-1) on Saturday 11/29 at 7:30pm at Alumni Hall. Here is the scouting report:

The Eagles of American University have beat 4 relatively easy teams in Saint Francis(PA), Howard, Jacksonville, and Stony Brook. Their lone loss was against a strong Oklahoma team by the score of 83-54.

The Eagles start all Seniors, and are a team that went to the NCAA tournament last year (2008). So they are not likely to be a team that will beat themselves. The Stags will have to play 40 minutes of good basketball to win this one.

In an early season tussle last year, Fairfield beat American 60-52 as the Stags outscored the Eagles by 19-9 in the game's final eight minutes. American finished their regular season by going 10-1 to reach the NCAA Tourney and finish 21-12.

American's strength is in their backcourt where 5-9 PG Derrick Mercer is a quick penetrator (3.6 assists) and an agressive defensive player. He will make things very difficult for Jon Han by getting in his face. Garrison Carr (20ppg) is one of the best shooters in college basketball. He cannot be left open, as he has very deep range on his shot.

At the 3 position, the Eagles will go with 6-4 Frank Borden who is stuggling offensively. Former Stag recruit Nick Hendra (6-3) will share time with Borden. Hendra is more explosive offensively, and can hit the 3-pointer.

Upfront, American will go with second leading scorer Brian Gilmore (11ppg), who is a skilled 6-8 player that can shoot and pass. At the other forward will be Jordan Nichols, a 6-5, 230lbs forward who is strong and can rebound. American has started 6-10 Frane Markusovic in the last 5 games, but he has played less than 10mpg.