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Service Academy Basketball: Air Force set to play No. 4 Michigan

All three teams are in action this Saturday, including a Big Ten matchup for Air Force at #4 Michigan

NCAA Basketball: Colorado at Air Force Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Weekly Update

Navy (3-6 overall; no update)

Navy heads about two hours south to Fairfax, Virginia to take on the Patriots of George Mason on Saturday. The Patriots are 5-6 on the season and 4-3 at home in Eagle Bank Arena. It will be a tough matchup on the road as George Mason is averaging 8 more points a game than the Mids. Navy has a slight advantage in rebounds per game though (about 5 more), so that may be enough of an edge to close the gap.

NET Rank (as of 12/19): 267

Games this week: Next contest is 12/21 at George Mason on ESPN+.

Team Leaders: PPG - Cam Davis 11.4; RPG - Carter, Jr. 5.8; APG – Hasan Abdullah 3.7; SPG - Abdullah 1.6

Air Force (4-6 overall; no update)

Air Force has been dormant as well since the last update. The Falcons will face their toughest opponent of the year on Saturday when they travel to Ann Arbor to face off against the #4 Wolverines in the Crisler Center. The Wolverines are 11-0 on the year, including dominating victories over ranked opponents such as Villanova, UNC, and Purdue. Michigan has a high-powered offense, and an even better defense. The Falcons, however, are nearly neck and neck with the Wolverines points, rebounds, and shooting percentage. This game ends one of two ways: the biggest upset of the college basketball season or the blowout you would expect. Either way, it’s the most high profile matchup for service academy basketball this weekend.

NET Rank (as of 12/19): 247

Games this week: Next contest is 12/22 at 5th ranked Michigan on BTN.

Team Leaders: PPG – Ryan Swan 12.0; RPG – Scottie 5.7; APG – Sid Tomes 2.8

Army (5-7 overall; no update)

Army hasn’t played since they fell to Fairleigh Dickinson last week. The Black Knights face off against the Purple Eagles of Niagara at home in Christl Arena this Saturday. The game pits two foes that are matched-up nearly identically in almost every category. We’re talking nearly +/- 2 between them in points per game, points against per game, rebounds per game, shooting percentage – you get the point. The Eagles are riding a three game winning streak though, including a game on the road against Pitt. Junior Forward Matt Wilson and company have their work cut out for them, but this game has the greatest potential to be a compelling showdown in service academy matchups this weekend.

NET Rank (as of 12/19): 272

Games this week: Next contest is 12/22 vs. Niagara.

Team Leaders: PPG - Wilson 14.7; RPG - Wilson 7.9; APG - Funk 6.4; SPG – Josh Caldwell 1.4