Yesterday’s Results for Furman vs Elon

VW'S CBB CONFERENCE DOG OF THE MONTH

Analysis: I don't like Elon's defense. I don't like Elon's defense. I don't like Elon's defense. Okay, now that I got that out of my system, I will say that once conference play begins, a battle-tested team will tighten up. So when the Phoenix welcome the Furman Paladins to town tonight, I suspect we're going to see their best effort of the season. I watched this Furman team during the ESPN Events Invitational and though it might be something to pay attention to after a win over Richmond, but then it lost to Illinois State. The thing I have to say most is Furman's strength of schedule leaves too much to be desired, while Elon has had a tougher slate. And against opponents like Marshall, Miami (FL) and Appalachian State, Elon comes into this one scoring the nation's 42nd-highest 88.4 points per game on the nation's 122nd-best 46.9% shooting. The Phoenix also rank 19th in the nation with 11.1 3-pointers per game, and that will spell trouble for a Paladins defense that has allowed 72 or more in three straight games now. Finally, there's a revenge factor to consider in this one, as Furman has taken the last three meetings after Elon won the previous four. I'm banking on the home dog to aim for the outright win tonight.