CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – The UPEI Panthers men’s basketball team will have to follow its defensive game plan this weekend as it searches for win No. 1.
The Panthers host the Cape Breton (CBU) Capers today at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
“We just cannot give up uncontested shots,” Panthers head coach Darrell Glenn said Thursday night, noting the Capers shoot the ball really well. “We’re going to have to do a much better job of containing dribble penetration, which has been a big issue for us.”
While the Panthers (0-12) are winless this season, the Capers (2-10) only two wins came against UPEI in November. CBU blew out the Panthers 107-54 in a game Glenn said the Capers shot well and the Panthers struggled after making the long trip to Sydney, N.S., and then playing. Cape Breton won the second game 90-78.
“The second game was, I think, a better example of where we’re at,” Glenn said. “I like the matchups. . .
“When I go through their roster, one through 12, I think it’s one of the more talented teams in the league, it’s just they don't have the experience.”
The Panthers are mostly healthy while some guys may not be 100 per cent, but still able to play.
Glenn is looking for point guard Amin Suleman to run the offence and provide some scoring while taking good shots and sees opportunities for rookie Bryce Corless to get some good looks this weekend.
The team is also leaning on fifth-year guard Samy Mohamed. Glenn said he hasn’t had the typical shooting games they know he can, but they know it’s only a matter of time before the shots start dropping.
“Nobody works harder on their game,” the bench boss said. “Nobody is in the gym more than he is, so we’re anxious to see (the shots go down) because we know it’s going to happen, and we’re hoping that it happens this weekend.”
Schedule
A look at this weekend’s UPEI Panthers varsity sports schedule.
Tonight’s game
Women’s basketball
6 p.m. – Cape Breton at UPEI.
Women’s hockey
7 p.m. – UPEI at Moncton.
Men’s basketball
8 p.m. – Cape Breton at UPEI.
Sunday’s Games
Women’s basketball
1 p.m. – Cape Breton at UPEI.
Men’s basketball
3 p.m. – Cape Breton at UPEI.
