Getting to Know Rider

NC State squares off against another foe from the MAAC conference as Rider travels to PNC Arena tonight. Rider has won 8 games thus far including 4 of their last 5. What do you need to know before Wednesday’s night contest?

Taylor has been a starter since he arrived at Rider giving them experience in the backcourt. Throughout his career, he has steadily increased his attempts from three, this season he is averaging right around six attempts a game; however, he is only shooting 29%. Taylor has not shot the three ball efficiently this season, but for his career, he is right around 40%.

Five players are averaging double figures for coach Kevin Baggett. The starting five for Rider accounts for 59.5 PPG, which is 83% of their 71.4 PPG on the season. Foul trouble can be crippling for the Broncs as they do not have any scoring punch on their bench. Their leading scorer off the bench is averaging just 4.8 PPG.

Kevin Baggett makes defense a point of emphasis as he has fielded some tough defenses, and this year is no different. Rider makes every team work for their baskets, as they are holding teams to 40% shooting from the field and just 30% from three. Having four seniors in their starting five is a big reason why teams struggle from the field against them. Communication is critical to a good defense and the Broncs have the experience playing with one another to execute with one another on help-side. Rider does struggle with rim protection as they are small on the interior, and vulnerable on the offensive glass.

Although Rider returns a veteran group they lost their leading scorer from last season. Size is a big concern as they start two players standing 6-7 in both forward positions. They are also prone to fouling and that has been the main culprit in their losses this season. In each of their losses teams attempted over 20 fouls shots a game, Fairfield attempted 36. Their experience could lead to them overachieving, but the MAAC is deep this year as Monmouth, Siena, and Iona look to battle for the crown.