VBelo Scouting Report: May 02, 2023

Opening Round: Part 2

May 02, 2023

Today we get the final 2 matches of the Opening Round. Four teams will play in two big time matchups for the final spots in the semifinals.

Strangely enough, VBelo gives the favorite in both of these matches a 70% chance of winning. The first match of the day will be between Grand Canyon and Long Beach. These teams have not faced each other this year. The winner will get to move on to face #1 seed UCLA. Long Beach is the favorite headed into this matchup, but that does not mean Grand Canyon is out of it. Both of these teams have immense talent and skill all over their lineups.

The other match is something a little more familiar. Penn State will face Ohio State for the third time this season. After splitting the season series 1-1, both teams know exactly what it takes to win this match. Hawaiʻi will get to face the winner of this great matchup. Penn State is the favorite and not just because they didn’t have to play two days ago.

These are some incredibly high level matches for the opening round. This just shows the strength of the top teams in men’s volleyball right now. What a time to be a volleyball fan!

Updated Tournament Projections

Nothing has changed since yesterday, but I wanted to include the graphic here so it would be easier.

By the Numbers

Long Beach

Record: 20-4
Current Streak: 1 loss
AVCA Ranking: 4
Media Poll: 4
VBelo Ranking: 4
RPI: 4
Offense: 12.4 kills/set (11th), .340 % (4th)
Defense: 8.76 digs/set (20th), 2.83 blocks/set (2nd)

Grand Canyon

Record: 22-7
Current Streak: 1 loss
AVCA Ranking: 6
Media Poll: 7
VBelo Ranking: 10
RPI: 5
Offense: 12.5 kills/set (10th), .348 % (3rd)
Defense: 7.3 digs/set (>50th), 2.08 blocks/set (18th)

Penn State

Record: 26-3
Current Streak: 8 wins
AVCA Ranking: 3
Media Poll: 3
VBelo Ranking: 3
RPI: 2
Offense: 12.3 kills/set (14th), .337 % (5th)
Defense: 8.28 digs/set (34th), 2.33 blocks/set (10th)

Ohio State

Record: 23-9
Current Streak: 12 wins
AVCA Ranking: 9
Media Poll: 10
VBelo Ranking: 6
RPI: 6
Offense: 12.9 kills/set (4th), .322 % (9th)
Defense: 8.56 digs/set (25th), 2.03 blocks/set (23rd)

Match Projections

Non-conference

Grand Canyon (30%) vs Long Beach (70%)

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Ohio State (30%) vs Penn State (70%)