Positive Point

[explorer88]

I thought both Steve and Jerrell battled their ass off last night against Batts and Harris. They were not the issue last night. They may not face a better tandem this than those two this year.

I didn't give Providence anough credit before the game. I didn't realize how good Tyler Harris is. He is skilled. With Cotton and Fortune added to that frontline Providence has a nice club and will only get better with an excellent recruiting class they got coming in.

[lwc4591]

Providence problem is simple they have no depth and the 6-0 record is misleading because we are not playing that well (we are probably the best team they have faced)and if not for their out of this world FT shooting (20 of 21) we may still be playing. Not saying they don't have a nice team just that they aren't as good as perfect record would lead one to believe. Agree with you that Steve and Jerrell played good basketball but our guards were the problem. Our guards are tiny as a group (5-11, 6-0, 6-2 and 6-3) and it cost us dearly in defense, rebounding and getting good looks on offense.

[las71]

I was not discouraged by our effort and I agree that Zack and Wright played pretty well against a big and talented front line. Steve plays hard and just keeps getting better in my opinion. What does discourage me is how small we are other than Steve and Jerrell. While we certainly have some skilled guards, the good teams have guards who are equal to or better than ours and worse yet are bigger and stronger. That said, our kids played a pretty good team down to the wire. I was just hoping that we were getting past the played well but lost a tough one stage.

[Deleted]

Since this thread is called positive point I will add mine: Total Rebounds 36-35, despite Providence's height.

Losing last night's game was a shame because I had cirlced Maryland on the calendar today. And it has been since 2004 since we have won any kind of in-season tournament.

Tyreek foul trouble killed us because it's obvious we're better when he's on the floor.

[mookie]

Providence deserves a lot of credit. We may have been the best team they've faced this year but they've taken care of business everytime out so that 6-0 record has been earned.

We just aren't playing that well. I think the team is pressing now. Too many unforced errors and sloppy play. They also aren't sticking with a particular game plan unless the game plan is to constantly switch it up. They were successeful when driving it dishing to Zach down low. They were successful when giving Jerrel the ball down low that he turn into the lane and shoot his hook shot. They got away from that and you saw that 10-0 lead quickly disappear.

I really don't know what they're trying to accomplish at this point...or as I've stated before, have an identity. I was talking/texting with another poster last night about how I was worried about Garland. He didn't look too happy about being benched in the 2nd half and then coming in only after Duren fouled out. My concern is that he's going to start tuning G out and/or keep jacking up shots.

On a positive note: the team definitely shot the ball better last night, probably do to the fact that they shot fewer 3s. But, we need Mills & Peterson to hit those open 3s when Duren/Garland drive and kick...otherwise, we have no shot.

And I'm sorry, but DJ Peterson needs to grow some balls AND gain some confidence. He has no confidence in his shooting ability. I would say "right now" but that was the case going back to last season. He plays well against lower competition but struggles when the competition is good.

[luhoopsfan]

I thought the effort to pressure the ball on the perimeter was much better last night

Steve and Jerrell continue to impress me with their effort and ability down low

Rebounding as a group has come a long way since day 1 against Manhattan.

[coqui900]

I didn't see Penn State so I don't know how they are. But I really wouldn't be shocked to see Manhattan and Providence both in the tournament and maybe win a game. They're both really good teams.

I loved our comeback. We got stops and attacked. There were a few miscues (Duren tripping at one point) but they got the game back. A few Providence FTs rim out and we win by 4.

[lasalle69bestever]

I'm trying to be positive. But we have lost every test: Manhattan, Penn State and Providence.

It's not as though we didn't know in March of 2013 that Galloway would not be returning and offensive adjustments needed to be made.

[durenduren]

Nov 25, 2013 13:35:14 GMT -5 coqui900 said:

I loved our comeback. We got stops and attacked. There were a few miscues (Duren tripping at one point) but they got the game back. A few Providence FTs rim out and we win by 4.

I'm growing weary of saying "the shots will even out" by the rule of averages after every game. Good teams make their own luck.

[MisterD]

There's also a realistic case to be made that a team just doesn't overcome losing Galloway. And not because they're soft or G can't coach, just because they can't any more than you can take money out of your checking account and will it back.

[durenduren]

Wish college basketball had free agents right about now...