Winthrop vs. Washington State
Guards
The Eagles’ lineup mirrors WSU’s, with leading scorer Michael Jenkins (14.3 ppg) and point guard Chris Gaynor (4.2 assists per game) making the offense go while 6-5 Mantoris Robinson is their lockdown defender. Jenkins is not only 10th on Winthrop’s all-time scoring list, but the senior’s production is a harbinger of the Eagles’ success.
When he scores, like the 33 he had in the Big South title game, Winthrop wins. When he struggles, like in losses to High Point and Davidson, so do the Eagles.
Forwards and centers
Senior Taj McCullough doesn’t have the bulk or height of the Cougars’ pair, but the 6-7 leaper does have more quickness. He’s averaged 11.5 points and 5.7 rebounds this season with a career-high 21 against Ill.-Chicago. He’s usually joined up front by Charles Corbin.
Bench
The Eagles have received some much-needed inside help lately from 6-9 junior college transfer Andy Buechert (3.5 rebounds per game), enough that he may start vs. WSU. Guards Antwon Harris and Byron Faison round out the top eight.
Guards
The Cougars’ three-guard attack of Kyle Weaver, Derrick Low and Taylor Rochestie accounts for 37 of WSU’s 67 points per game, but they do much more than that. With Weaver locking down on the opponents’ best scorer, Low taking on their premier penetrator and the 6-foot-1 Rochestie usually guarding a small forward, the trio also sparks WSU’s man-to-man defense. That defense has limited opponents to 57.1 points per game, third best in the nation.
Forwards and centers
When it comes to inside play, the Cougars aren’t looking for a lot of scoring, though Aron Baynes has had his moments, including a season-high 23 against NCAA participant Portland State. But the WSU bigs also supply screens for the guards, allowing the Cougars’ offense to function. The 6-10 Baynes and Robbie Cowgill also supply height, something Winthrop can’t match.
Bench
Depth isn’t the Cougars’ strong point, but they do get offensive help from 6-7 Daven Harmeling (6.1 points per game and 39.8 percent 3-point shooting), energy from 6-8 Caleb Forrest and offensive movement from 6-6 Nik Koprivica.