Windfall hoped Bryce Hopkins would return from a torn ACL however erred on the aspect of warning and held out the star on Wednesday.
Whereas Hopkins is getting near coming back from the harm he suffered final January, the Friars stay unsure if he’ll swimsuit up Thursday night time towards Davidson within the comfort spherical of the Battle 4 Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas.
Earlier than Windfall (5-1) began the match with a 79-77 loss to Oklahoma on Wednesday, Hopkins was a game-time resolution within the return from his knee harm. After Jayden Pierre missed a 3-pointer proper earlier than the horn, coach Kim English remained coy about Hopkins returning.
“It is in all probability me greater than him, actually,” English stated. “It is me ensuring he is proper. I can look in his eyes and inform when he is prepared.
“He is been nice in observe. He is getting shut. We wish to be certain all the things is true. And if we’re a few video games or halves too late, I believe that is OK.”
Wesley Cardet Jr. scored 17 factors and Pierre and Bensley Joseph every added 16 for the Friars. Windfall, nevertheless, surrendered 23 factors off 16 turnovers, allowed Oklahoma to shoot 51 p.c from the sector, and was unable to beat a nine-point deficit within the remaining minute.
Davidson (4-1) hopes to keep away from a second straight dismal displaying after beginning the match with a 104-71 loss to No. 24 Arizona on Wednesday. Davidson took a fast seven-point lead however couldn’t maintain tempo and trailed by 12 at halftime earlier than getting outscored 55-34 within the second half.
Connor Kochera scored 20 factors and Bobby Durkin had 15, however the Wildcats have been pushed round within the paint by a 50-28 margin and have been outrebounded 47-31.
“We have been spinning in circles defensively,” Davidson coach Matt McKillop stated in his postgame radio interview.
The faculties are assembly in a multi-team occasion for the second time in 5 seasons. Windfall held on for a 63-62 victory within the 2020 Maui Invitational when it practically squandered a 19-point lead.
–Subject Stage Media
