Upcoming Matchup: Lehigh University Mountain Hawks vs. American University Eagles
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the Lehigh University Mountain Hawks men's basketball team will face off against the American University Eagles at Bender Arena in Washington, D.C., in a pivotal matchup within the Patriot League men's basketball season. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two teams in the 2024-25 season and comes at a critical juncture for both squads.
Latest Developments
The Patriot League has been a challenging terrain for these teams, each facing unique obstacles. Lehigh, currently holding a 1-5 record in Patriot League play and an overall record of 6-11, has struggled to find consistency. Their last win in the league came in the conference opener against Bucknell, but since then, they have lost five consecutive games. This slump has been exacerbated by the absence of key player Keith Higgins Jr., who has been out of action since the win over Bucknell. Higgins Jr.'s absence has significantly impacted the team's performance, given his averages of 17.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game[2][5].
In contrast, American University is riding a three-game win streak, with their last two victories coming on the road against Loyola Maryland and Holy Cross. This streak has propelled them to a 4-2 record in the Patriot League and an overall record of 10-9. The Eagles' success can be attributed to their strong home performances, a trend that aligns with the overall Patriot League statistics where home teams have dominated with a 25-6 record. American University's ability to perform well at home will be a significant factor in this matchup[3].
Performance Statistics
Lehigh's offense has been heavily impacted by the absence of Keith Higgins Jr. Despite this, Tyler Whitney-Sidney has been a consistent performer, contributing 12.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Ben Knostman leads the team in assists with 3.7 per game, highlighting the team's reliance on these players for offensive and defensive stability. Other players, such as Edouard Benoit and Cam Gillus, have also stepped up, with Benoit scoring a new career-high 15 points and Gillus matching him with 15 points in their recent game against Loyola Maryland. Sophomore Nasir Whitlock has also been a bright spot, reaching double-figures for the fourth consecutive game with 10 points[2].
American University, on the other hand, boasts a strong lineup led by Matt Rogers, the Patriot League Preseason Player of the Year. Rogers averages 16.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and ranks in the top 10 in the Patriot League in field-goal percentage and three-point field-goal percentage. Elijah Stephens is another key contributor, with 1,025 career points and 411 career assists, placing him seventh in assists in the program's history. The Eagles also excel in free-throw shooting, leading the Patriot League with a 75.2% free-throw percentage, thanks in part to the accuracy of Greg Jones and Elijah Stephens. Collin Smalls, a graduate student, also averages double-figures at 11.1 points per game, adding depth to the Eagles' offense[3].
Injuries and Team Dynamics
Injuries have played a significant role in shaping the current form of both teams. American University has faced several setbacks, including Elijah Stephens missing nearly three full games and wearing a face mask for six more due to a fractured nose and concussion. Geoff Sprouse has missed five straight games with an ankle injury, and Colin Smalls and Eric Michaels have also been out due to injuries. Despite these challenges, the Eagles have managed to maintain their winning streak, a testament to their depth and resilience[3].
For Lehigh, the absence of Keith Higgins Jr. has been a critical blow. His return could be the catalyst for a turnaround in their performance, but until then, the team must rely on other players to step up. Tyler Whitney-Sidney's consistent performance will be crucial in any potential resurgence for Lehigh. The team's recent loss to Army West Point, where four Mountain Hawks reached double-figures but still fell short, highlights the need for a balanced team effort to overcome their current slump[4].
Expert Perspectives
Lehigh head coach Dr. Brett Reed reflected on the team's recent loss to Army West Point, stating, "It was really disappointing that we couldn't prevail. Every time we needed a key stop, somebody would drive by our first line of defense. Their points in the paint in the second half were just far too high."[4]
This commentary underscores the defensive struggles Lehigh has faced, particularly in the paint. This is an area where American University excels, with Matt Rogers and Elijah Stephens being pivotal in their defensive efforts.
"I thought we got some good productivity around the basket with some creative post-ups," said Dr. Brett Reed, reflecting on the positive aspects of Lehigh's game against Army West Point. "Hank Alvey gave us a couple of field goals that were within range, Josh was finishing a little bit closer to the rim, Tyler was attacking once again, so we're always going to manufacture in a different way."[4]
This analysis highlights the adaptability and creative strategies that Lehigh must employ to overcome their current challenges. The ability to adapt and find different ways to score will be essential in their matchup against American University.
Historical Context
The rivalry between Lehigh and American University is significant, with Lehigh holding a 34-28 all-time advantage. The Mountain Hawks have been particularly successful in recent meetings, winning eight of the past ten matchups, including a 70-68 win in their last meeting at Stabler Arena on January 20, 2024. This historical context adds an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming game, as both teams will be motivated to assert their dominance[2].
Future Implications
Patriot League Standings
The outcome of this game will have significant implications for both teams' standings in the Patriot League. A win for Lehigh could help them climb out of their current slump and improve their position in the league. Conversely, a loss could further deepen their struggles and make their path to a respectable finish more challenging.
For American University, continuing their win streak could solidify their position near the top of the league and enhance their chances for a strong finish in the season. The Eagles are currently in a strong position, but maintaining this momentum will be crucial as the season progresses.
Postseason Prospects
The game's outcome will also impact both teams' postseason prospects. A strong performance by either team could boost their confidence and momentum heading into the latter part of the season. For Lehigh, a win would be a much-needed morale booster and could signal a turnaround in their fortunes. For American University, it would reinforce their status as a contender in the Patriot League.
Player Development
This matchup will also serve as an opportunity for players on both teams to showcase their skills and potentially improve their individual statistics and accolades. For players like Tyler Whitney-Sidney and Matt Rogers, this game could be a platform to further establish themselves as key performers in the league. The performance of other players, such as Edouard Benoit and Cam Gillus for Lehigh, and Elijah Stephens and Collin Smalls for American University, will also be under scrutiny as they aim to make significant contributions to their teams' success.
Game Details
The game is scheduled to take place at Bender Arena in Washington, D.C., with a tip-off time of 7:00 p.m. The arena, with a capacity of 4,500, is expected to be filled with energetic fans from both sides, adding to the intensity of the matchup. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and can be listened to on Fox Sports 94.7 FM and 1230 AM, ensuring that fans who cannot attend in person can still follow the action closely[2].
Community and Sponsorship
The game is sponsored by the Kogod School of Business, a strong connection for the men's basketball program as 11 of its 17 student-athletes are Kogod majors. This sponsorship highlights the integration of academic and athletic excellence at American University. The Kogod School of Business and AU Athletics recently announced the creation of the Dean and Director's Leadership Award, which will support outstanding business school students who exemplify leadership in both their academic and athletic careers. This initiative underscores the commitment to fostering well-rounded student-athletes[5].
Conclusion
The upcoming game between Lehigh University and American University is more than just another matchup in the Patriot League; it is a critical juncture in the season for both teams. With Lehigh seeking to break their losing streak and American University aiming to extend their winning streak, the stakes are high. The performance of key players, the impact of injuries, and the historical context of their rivalry all add layers of complexity to this encounter.
As the teams take to the court at Bender Arena, the outcome will not only reflect their current form but also shape their future prospects in the 2024-25 season. The game promises to be an intense and closely contested battle, with both teams eager to assert their dominance and secure a crucial victory in the Patriot League standings. The atmosphere at Bender Arena will be electric, and the fans will be treated to a high-stakes matchup that could have lasting implications for both teams.
