Men's Basketball | 2/5/2015 6:30:00 PM
BALTIMORE – Now, comes the fun part for the Coppin State men's basketball team as it continues its critical four-game homestand.
After a huge victory over rival Morgan State on national television, the Eagles must remain grounded and continue their strong play that has seen them average 82 points over their last five games.
Coppin State welcomes South Carolina State to the Physical Education Complex in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) men's basketball matinee Saturday at 4:00 p.m. The Eagles (4-18 overall, 3-6 MEAC) have enjoyed six straight wins over the Bulldogs (9-15, 6-3) by an average of 13 points per contest.
Since the Bulldogs are ahead of the Eagles in the standings, first-year head coach
Michael Grant doesn't believe his team will have an issue putting the Morgan State game behind them and being ready for the game.
"We realize this is a big month for us with the amount of home games we are playing," Grant said. "Our focus is taking every game one game at a time. South Carolina State is the only team we're thinking about. The guys understand what needs to happen so I think they're very focused."
Part of Grant's mantra has been winning at home. Lately the Eagles have done that impressively, winning their last two games in their friendly surroundings over Florida A&M and Morgan State by an average of 12.5 points per game. Since all of Coppin State's victories have come on Mondays, something will have to change fast if the Eagles are going to continue to climb the standings.
Coppin State has been fueled recently by the strong and inspired play of senior
Dallas Gary, who is averaging 14.2 points per game in the Eagles' last five games. He has scored at least eight points in seven of Coppin State's last eight games. Gary has been instant energy and offense when he has entered the game recently. His 17-point show against Morgan State featured a pair of dunks and a nice blocked shot.
"I am very excited about his play recently," Grant said. "He's finally figured out that in order for him to get on the floor, he needed to the little things for us and not overanalyze everything. He's been playing the five-spot for us, which has created mismatches. He's been able to drive against bigger guys and get his shot off. He has accepted his role and because of that, it's made us a better team."
The Eagles, who lead the MEAC in scoring (70.4) and 3-pointers made per game (9.2), are also a balanced team.
Arnold Fripp and
Sterling Smith lead Coppin State in scoring at 11.7 points per game.
Taariq Cephas scores at a 11.4 point per game clip. Cephas is also second in the MEAC and 52nd nationally in assists per game (4.9).
Christian Kessee averages 9.8 points per contest for the Eagles.
South Carolina State closed out non-conference play with an, 80-48, victory over NAIA school St. Andrews Wednesday night at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.
The Bulldogs were led in scoring by JUCO transfer Gabe McCray, who had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while junior forward Darryl Palmer tossed in a team-high 13 points, three rebounds and three blocked shots. Edward Stephens is the Bulldogs' top scorer at 11.7 points per game. Palmer is one of the MEAC's top rebounders, averaging 6.9 per game.
Coppin State remains home to face Savannah State Monday night at 7:30 p.m.
