Sun Belt Men's Basketball Notebook [Feb. 9, 2023]

Sun Belt Weekly Release (PDF) | Feb. 9 Statistical Match-Ups

NEW ORLEANS – One team will claim sole possession of first place in Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball following Thursday night’s games. Louisiana and Southern Miss both sit atop the league standings with 10-2 conference marks and meet on Thursday in Hattiesburg. 

Louisiana claimed the earlier meeting between the two schools this season, winning a 75-61 decision in Lafayette. The Ragin’ Cajuns enter Thursday’s contest on a 10-game winning streak, while the Golden Eagles have won seven in row.  Southern Miss is 12-0 at home this season. Southern Miss (21) and Louisiana (20) have both eclipsed the 20-win plateau on the season, while Marshall (19) vies for its 20th victory on the season on Thursday. 

Each Sun Belt Conference team has six league games remaining in the season before the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in Pensacola. Single-game tickets and ticket packages are available for sale now. 

Four Sun Belt Conference programs are ranked among the top-85 in the latest NCAA NET Rankings – No. 59 Southern Miss, No. 75 Marshall, No. 84 James Madison and No. 85 Louisiana. 

Louisiana’s Jordan Brown is the reigning Sun Belt Player of the Week, his third such honor of the season. Last week, he led the Sun Belt Conference in rebounding with 13.5 boards per game and added 21.0 points per game while shooting 61 percent from the field. Brown directed his team to wins against Texas State and Marshall. 

Impact Players – Sun Belt Statistical Leaders (Conference Games Only)

Points Per Game: Taevion Kinsey, Marshall (21.6)Rebounds Per Game: Omar El-Sheikh, Arkansas State and Micah Handlogten, Marshall (10.0)Assists Per Game: Themus Fulks, Louisiana (7.3)Blocks Per Game: Kevin Samuel, South Alabama (3.0)Steals Per Game: Andrew Taylor, Marshall (2.3)

Poll Watch

Three Sun Belt men’s basketball programs are ranked among the top-10 in the most recent CollegeInsider.com Men’s Basketball Mid-Major Top-25 – No. 3 Louisiana, No. 6 Southern Miss and No. 12 Marshall. James Madison is receiving votes. The Ragin’ Cajuns’ No. 3 ranking is its highest since the poll was introduced. 

Dynamic Offenses

The Sun Belt Conference features a number of high-powered offenses. As a league, Sun Belt teams are averaging a collective 72.0 points per game. Sun Belt Conference teams have scored 24,862 points on the season, which ranks fourth most of any conference this year, behind the ACC (25,917), the Atlantic Sun (25,194) and the Atlantic-10 (24,868). Three Sun Belt teams rank in the top-25 in terms of scoring offense – No. 13 James Madison (81.9), No. 17 Marshall (81.5) and No. 24 Louisiana (80.2). Three Sun Belt squads are in the top-20 in the country in scoring margin – No. 5 James Madison (+15.5), No. 18 Southern Miss (+11.8) and No. 19 Marshall (+11.7). 

Block Party

Four of the top-15 shot blockers in the nation reside in the Sun Belt Conference. All four have swatted more than 50 shots on the year. They include Marshall’s Micah Handlogten, who ranks seventh with 63 blocks. App State’s Justin Abson, ULM’s Victor Bafutto and South Alabama’s Kevin Samuel rank 12th nationally with 56 swats on the season. 

Legendary Leader

Coastal Carolina head coach Cliff Ellis has 827 career Division I wins. He is 10th all-time amongst winningest coaches in NCAA history and needs three more to move into ninth-place all-time. 

Sun Belt Men’s Basketball Games – Thursday, February 9

Marshall at Coastal CarolinaConway, S.C. | HTC Center6 p.m. CT [ESPN+]Series Record: Marshall leads 1-0Last Meeting: January 7, 2023 – Marshall 81, Coastal Carolina 66Marshall Leading Scorer: Taevion Kinsey (21.4)Marshall Leading Rebounder: Micah Handlogten (10.5)Coastal Carolina Leading Scorer: Jomaru Brown (13.9)Coastal Carolina Leading Rebounder: Essam Mostafa (9.8)• Marshall and Coastal Carolina meet for the second time this season. The Thundering Herd won an 81-66 decision in Huntington, W.Va., on January 7. Prior to this season, the two squads had never met. • Coastal Carolina is beginning a four-game homestand on Thursday. • Coastal Carolina ranks 31st nationally in free-throw percentage at 75.7. • Coastal Carolina’s Henry Abraham ranks 15th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio at +2.92. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Marshall leads the league in scoring offense (79.2), scoring margin (+9.1), blocked shots (4.9/gm.), assists (16.5/gm.), steals (9.2/gm.), turnover margin (+4.2) and assist-to-turnover ratio (+1.4). • Marshall ranks fourth in the nation in assists per game at 17.9. The Thundering Herd also are 10th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio at +1.53. • Marshall is eighth nationally in rebounds per game with 40.08. The Thundering Herd rank ninth in the nation in offensive rebounds per game with 13.36. • Marshall is 14th in the country in blocks per game with 5.4. • Marshall ranks 14th in the nation in steals per game with 9.3. • Marshall ranks 17th in the nation in scoring offense at 81.5 points per game. The Thundering Herd are 19th nationally in scoring margin at +11.7. • Marshall is 27th in the country in turnover margin at +3.8. • Marshall’s Taevion Kinsey was named a top-10 semifinalist for the Jerry West Award, which recognizes the top shooting guard in NCAA Division I men’s basketball. • Marshall’s Taevion Kinsey is the only player in the country to rank top-10 nationally in both points (3rd, 534) and assists (9th, 140). • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Marshall’s Taevion Kinsey leads the league in scoring at 21.6 points per game. • Marshall’s Taevion Kinsey is sixth in the nation in minutes per game with 37:28. • Marshall’s Micah Handlogten ranks top-10 in the nation in both rebounds (6th, 263) and blocks (7th, 63). • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Marshall’s Micah Handlogten is tied for the league lead in rebounds per game with 10.0. Handlogten also leads the conference in field-goal percentage at .738. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Marshall’s Kamdyn Curfman leads the league in three-point field goals made with 3.3 per game. • Marshall’s Andrew Taylor ranks 11th in the nation in steals with 54. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Marshall’s Andrew Taylor leads the league in steals per game with 2.3.  • Marshall’s Taevion Kinsey and Andrew Taylor both rank top-10 nationally in made field goals. Kinsey ranks No. 2 with 215, while Taylor ranks No. 9 with 187. 

James Madison at Georgia Southern

Statesboro, Ga. | Hanner Fieldhouse6 p.m. CT [ESPN+]Series Record: James Madison leads 1-0.Last Meeting: January 14, 2023 – James Madison 83, Georgia Southern 71James Madison Leading Scorer: Terrence Edwards and Vado Morse (12.5)James Madison Leading Rebounder: Takal Molson and Mezie Offurum (5.1)Georgia Southern Leading Scorer: Andrei Savrasov (12.8)Georgia Southern Leading Rebounder: Carlos Curry (7.2)• Georgia Southern and James Madison meet for the second time in the history of the two programs and the second time this season. The Dukes won an 83-71 decision in Harrisonburg, Va., on Jan. 14. • This contest matches up brothers Tai Strickland (Georgia Southern) and Terell Strickland (James Madison). The Dukes announced on Wednesday that Terell Strickland will undergo season-ending surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 season. • James Madison head coach Mark Byington served as Georgia Southern’s head coach from 2013-20, compiling a record of 131-97. • Seven Georgia Southern players are scoring seven or more points per game with only leading scorer Andrei Savrasov taking more than 10 shots per game (10.9). • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Georgia Southern’s Jalen Finch leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio at +2.9. • James Madison is on a four-game winning streak. • Four of the last five James Madison victories and each of the Dukes’ last three have been decided by single digits. • James Madison ranks in the top-10 nationally in a number of statistical categories, including: steals per game (4th, 10.0), bench points per game (5th, 32.96), scoring margin (5th, +15.5) and turnovers forced per game (7th, 18.0). • James Madison is 12th in the country in turnover margin at +4.4. • James Madison ranks 13th in the nation in scoring offense at 81.9 points per game. • James Madison is the fastest team in the Sun Belt Conference, ranking 25th nationally in fastbreak points with 13.88 per game. 

Old Dominion at Georgia State

Atlanta, Ga. | GSU Convocation CenterSeries Record: Old Dominion leads 18-6.Last Meeting: January 19, 2023 – Old Dominion 70, Georgia State 58Old Dominion Leading Scorer: Tyreek Scott-Grayson (14.2)Old Dominion Leading Rebounder: Mekhi Long (8.4)Georgia State Leading Scorer: Dwon Odom (13.2)Georgia State Leading Rebounder: Ja’Heim Hudson (7.3)• Georgia State and Old Dominion are meeting for the second time this season. The Monarchs won the first match-up between the two teams, 70-58, on Jan. 19 in Norfolk. • Georgia State ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference (all games combined) in free-throw shooting percentage at 71.9. • Over his last four games, Georgia State’s Jamaine Mann is averaging 15.5 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Old Dominion leads the league in field-goal percentage defense (.399), offensive rebounds (11.9) and defensive rebounds (26.2). • Four Old Dominion players are averaging double-figure scoring, led by Tyreek Scott-Grayson’s 14.2 points per game. 

App State at ULM

Monroe, La. | Fant-Ewing Coliseum6:30 p.m. CT [ESPN+]Series Record: ULM leads 6-5Last Meeting: January 1, 2022 – App State 77, ULM 69App State Leading Scorer: Donovan Gregory (12.3)App State Leading Rebounder: CJ Huntley (6.4)ULM Leading Scorer: Jamari Blackmon (14.2)ULM Leading Rebounder: Thomas Howell (7.4)• App State and ULM are meeting for the first time since January 1, 2022, a contest that the Mountaineers won 77-69 in Boone, N.C. • App State’s Justin Abson and ULM’s Victor Bafutto are two of the top shot blockers in the nation. Both are tied for 12th nationally with 56 rejections on the year. • ULM’s seven Sun Belt Conference wins are its most since going 9-9 in the league in 2018-19. • ULM ranks second in the Sun Belt (all games combined) in three-point field-goal percentage at 36.2. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, ULM leads the league in three-point field-goals made at 8.1. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, ULM’s Jamari Blackmon is second in the league in three-point field-goals made with 2.9. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, ULM’s Jamari Blackmon leads the league in minutes played per game at 38.0. • App State leads the Sun Belt (all games combined) and ranks 20th in the country in field-goal percentage defense at 39.6. • App State ranks second in the Sun Belt (all games combined) and is top-50 nationally in blocks per game with 4.5. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, App State’s Donovan Gregory is second in the league in steals per game with 2.3. 

Arkansas State at Texas State

San Marcos, Texas | Strahan Arena7 p.m. CT [ESPN+]Series Record: Texas State leads 12-4Last Meeting: January 12, 2023 – Texas State 61, Arkansas State 58Arkansas State Leading Scorer: Omar El-Sheikh (11.2)Arkansas State Leading Rebounder: Omar El-Sheikh (9.4)Texas State Leading Scorer: Mason Harrell (16.1)Texas State Leading Rebounder: Nighael Ceaser (6.7)• Arkansas State and Texas State are meeting for the second time this season. The Bobcats emerged with a 61-58 victory in Jonesboro, Ark., on Jan. 12. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Texas State leads the league in scoring defense, limiting conference opponents to 67.4 points per game. • Arkansas State’s Omar El-Sheikh is among 27 players nationally to average a double-double in conference games only. He averages 12.1 points per game and 10.0 rebounds per game in league action. • Arkansas State’s Omar El-Sheikh is 20th in the country in rebounds with 234. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Arkansas State’s Omar El-Sheikh is tied for the league lead in rebounds per game at 10.0. • Arkansas State’s Terrance Ford, Jr., ranks 18th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio at +2.88. • In Sun Belt Conference games, Arkansas State’s Terrance Ford, Jr., leads the league in three-point field-goal percentage at .556. 

South Alabama at Troy

Troy, Ala. | Trojan Arena7:15 p.m. CT [ESPN+]Series Record: South Alabama leads 29-12. Last Meeting: January 28, 2023 – Troy 77, South Alabama 60South Alabama Leading Scorer: Isaiah Moore (19.0)South Alabama Leading Rebounder: Kevin Samuel (9.2)Troy Leading Scorer: Duke Miles (14.0)Troy Leading Rebounder: Zay Williams (6.4)• South Alabama and Troy are meeting for the second time this season. The Trojans won a 77-60 decision in Mobile, Ala., on January 28. • Thursday’s game features the top-two teams in terms of three-point field-goal percentage defense in the Sun Belt (conference games only). South Alabama leads the league at .272, while Troy is second at .309. • Troy ranks 29th in the nation in turnovers forced per game at 16.12. • Troy’s Zay Williams will tie the program record for most career games played for the Trojans (130) when he takes the floor on Thursday. • Troy’s Kieffer Punter leads the Sun Belt (all games combined) in free-throw percentage at 85.2. • South Alabama ranks second in the Sun Belt (all games combined) in three-point percentage defense (31.2). • South Alabama’s Kevin Samuel is the NCAA Division I active career leader in both rebounds (1,259) and blocks (358). • South Alabama’s Kevin Samuel ranks eighth in the country in field goal percentage at 65.7. • South Alabama’s Kevin Samuel ranks 12th nationally in blocks with 56. His 2.43 blocks per game rank 10th in the nation. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, South Alabama’s Kevin Samuel leads the league in blocks per game with 3.0. • South Alabama’s Isaiah Moore is 10th in the country in field-goals made with 183. 

Louisiana at Southern Miss

Hattiesburg, Miss | Reed Green Coliseum7:30 p.m. CT [ESPN+]Series Record: Southern Miss leads 32-26.Last Meeting: January 5, 2023 – Louisiana 75, Southern Miss 61Louisiana Leading Scorer: Jordan Brown (19.9)Louisiana Leading Rebounder: Jordan Brown (8.2)Southern Miss Leading Scorer: Austin Crowley (17.4)Southern Miss Leading Rebounder: DeAndre Pinckney (7.0)• Louisiana and Southern Miss sit atop the Sun Belt Conference standings with 10-2 league records. • The two teams are meeting for the second time this season. The Ragin’ Cajuns won the earlier meeting, 75-61, in Lafayette, La., on Jan. 5. • Southern Miss is 12-0 at home this season. • Louisiana and Southern Miss are meeting for the second time as Sun Belt Conference foes. From 1948-52, the two schools were members of the Gulf States Conference with the Ragin’ Cajuns winning five of seven meetings. • Louisiana and Southern Miss are two of 10 teams nationally to reach the 20-win mark in the 2022-23 season. • Louisiana and Southern Miss both rank top-50 nationally in rebound margin. Louisiana is 18th at +6.6, while Southern Miss is 49th at +4.6. • Louisiana’s 10-game win streak is currently the third-longest nationally behind Eastern Washington (14) and Saint Mary’s (12). • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Louisiana leads the league in field-goal percentage (.485), three-point field-goal percentage (.392) and rebounding margin (+7.2). • Louisiana is fourth in the country in three-point percentage at 39.8. • Louisiana ranks eighth in the nation in field-goal percentage (49.4). • Louisiana ranks 24th nationally in scoring offense at 80.2 points per game. • Louisiana’s Themus Fulks is fifth in the nation in assists per game at 6.5. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Louisiana’s Themus Fulks leads the league in assists per game at 7.3. • Louisiana’s Jordan Brown ranks 25th nationally in points per game (19.9). • Louisiana’s Kentrell Garnett is the NCAA Division I active career leader in three-point shooting percentage at .450. • Southern Miss is tied for its best conference start in program history since the 1990-91 team began 10-2 in the Metro Conference. • Southern Miss ranks 18th nationally in scoring margin at +11.8. • Southern Miss is second in the Sun Belt (all games combined) and 39th nationally in field-goal percentage defense at 40.6. • In Sun Belt Conference games only, Southern Miss leads the league in free-throw percentage (.753). • Southern Miss’ Austin Crowley is 11th in the nation in steals with 54. 

• In Sun Belt Conference games only, Southern Miss’ Felipe Haase leads the league in free-throw percentage (.904).