MU men's hoops: My thoughts on Lehigh game
Ok..let's not go optimistic crazy here though it does make one feel better about MU's NEC chances. Lehigh (College rpi.com 270) had a higher RPI than six NEC teams though less than Monmouth's (224).
This was a game MU figured to win at home (as it did with LIU and Hartford and we know how those games went) but one that had fallen into doubt off recent performances.
Also..Lehigh played minus its 6-10, 300 pound senior center averaging about 10 points and six rebounds who will be out 4-6 weeks with an injury. Having said that.... this was the same Lehigh team which was minus the big guy when it almost defeated Rutgers last week (I'm not exactly sure what that says for RU).
Lehigh also has now dropped 11 road games in a row and hasn't won on the road in December since 2004 and just took itself right out of the MU game with its avalanche of turnovers. At one point early in the second half it had 13 TOs and one assist. .
Monmouth began the night shooting fouls at 64 percent and went a still a not so hot 17-for-25 (68 percent) but did convert 10 of 12 from the line in the second half.
I thought MU hoisting 24 3s is still too many (MU went 6-for-24). I would like to see about 14-18 per game, depending on how the game is going. (OK I'm being picky).
And now the positives. Where do we start?
As I said in my Press story....offensive tempo was very good. MU ran the shot clock down effectively looking for good shots, got the ball inside to Bunch at times, and found cutters for layups. I thought John "Big County" (so named by a blgger) Bunch took more than three shots (he should be taking 6-10 in my opinion). To be fair though he only played 16 minutes Friday as there was no need for Dave to use him much in the second half as the outcome became obvious. Bunch only played four minutes in the second half)
Friday is how MU HAS TO PLAY on offense. Pass the ball, run the motion offense, take time off the clock, make the other team play defense, get the ball inside to Bunch, Marques, and Delic who can also post up. MU has some 3-point ability but that CANNOT be the first option.
Defensively MU made a subtle change in sending the 6-6 Delic to the front of its 1-2-2 match up zone ..guess it worked. MU did a real good job doubling Lehigh players in the corners and did not allow many open 3s.
Individually Bunch with seven points, eight rebounds, 3 blocks and Corey Hallett (season high seven points, five rebounds, one block, two steals) were a decisive presence inside. Bunch looked mobile and healthy.
I said to Corey after the game, "Corey I'm not going to interviww you, don't want to jinx you." Over the years whenever I've done a story on Corey it's been a kiss of death.
Youngblood - "The Jet" displayed a savvy flight plan, showed good poise in running the show. Some nice penetrations and dishes. Can probably get to the hoop almost any time he wants to, an ability that will be needed in any number of future situations. But also showed the knack to distribute which I watched him do so well in pre-practice team gym sessions in Sep-Oct...and was limited Friday to 24 minutes (one under his season average) by early foul trouble.
Marques played with some zip and spark in his game which - seemingly - has not always been present this season. Dealt a dandy almost touch pass inside to Bunch which "Big County" slammed with two hands.
Am not going to mention every player..but as the story indicated - a "group effort"
Some notes: MU now has four non-conference wins, one more than last year and most since winning six in 2003-2004. I said four was the minimum non-conference win total acceptable for this team and at least it has accomplished that with wounded LMU arriving Sunday. That's a suddenly "winnable" game though I doubt it'll be as easy as the Lions' blowout loss to a good Akron club may make it seem.
Someone posted about the lack of what one would call "fan intensity." Well, there were few if any students around (they are on break) and no cheerleaders or the pep band which I have also been told will not be present Sunday due to the Xmas break. Still, pumped up by this win, I think you'll see a good lively crowd Sunday for LMU.
e-mail tonygsports@aol.com
This was a game MU figured to win at home (as it did with LIU and Hartford and we know how those games went) but one that had fallen into doubt off recent performances.
Also..Lehigh played minus its 6-10, 300 pound senior center averaging about 10 points and six rebounds who will be out 4-6 weeks with an injury. Having said that.... this was the same Lehigh team which was minus the big guy when it almost defeated Rutgers last week (I'm not exactly sure what that says for RU).
Lehigh also has now dropped 11 road games in a row and hasn't won on the road in December since 2004 and just took itself right out of the MU game with its avalanche of turnovers. At one point early in the second half it had 13 TOs and one assist. .
Monmouth began the night shooting fouls at 64 percent and went a still a not so hot 17-for-25 (68 percent) but did convert 10 of 12 from the line in the second half.
I thought MU hoisting 24 3s is still too many (MU went 6-for-24). I would like to see about 14-18 per game, depending on how the game is going. (OK I'm being picky).
And now the positives. Where do we start?
As I said in my Press story....offensive tempo was very good. MU ran the shot clock down effectively looking for good shots, got the ball inside to Bunch at times, and found cutters for layups. I thought John "Big County" (so named by a blgger) Bunch took more than three shots (he should be taking 6-10 in my opinion). To be fair though he only played 16 minutes Friday as there was no need for Dave to use him much in the second half as the outcome became obvious. Bunch only played four minutes in the second half)
Friday is how MU HAS TO PLAY on offense. Pass the ball, run the motion offense, take time off the clock, make the other team play defense, get the ball inside to Bunch, Marques, and Delic who can also post up. MU has some 3-point ability but that CANNOT be the first option.
Defensively MU made a subtle change in sending the 6-6 Delic to the front of its 1-2-2 match up zone ..guess it worked. MU did a real good job doubling Lehigh players in the corners and did not allow many open 3s.
Individually Bunch with seven points, eight rebounds, 3 blocks and Corey Hallett (season high seven points, five rebounds, one block, two steals) were a decisive presence inside. Bunch looked mobile and healthy.
I said to Corey after the game, "Corey I'm not going to interviww you, don't want to jinx you." Over the years whenever I've done a story on Corey it's been a kiss of death.
Youngblood - "The Jet" displayed a savvy flight plan, showed good poise in running the show. Some nice penetrations and dishes. Can probably get to the hoop almost any time he wants to, an ability that will be needed in any number of future situations. But also showed the knack to distribute which I watched him do so well in pre-practice team gym sessions in Sep-Oct...and was limited Friday to 24 minutes (one under his season average) by early foul trouble.
Marques played with some zip and spark in his game which - seemingly - has not always been present this season. Dealt a dandy almost touch pass inside to Bunch which "Big County" slammed with two hands.
Am not going to mention every player..but as the story indicated - a "group effort"
Some notes: MU now has four non-conference wins, one more than last year and most since winning six in 2003-2004. I said four was the minimum non-conference win total acceptable for this team and at least it has accomplished that with wounded LMU arriving Sunday. That's a suddenly "winnable" game though I doubt it'll be as easy as the Lions' blowout loss to a good Akron club may make it seem.
Someone posted about the lack of what one would call "fan intensity." Well, there were few if any students around (they are on break) and no cheerleaders or the pep band which I have also been told will not be present Sunday due to the Xmas break. Still, pumped up by this win, I think you'll see a good lively crowd Sunday for LMU.
e-mail tonygsports@aol.com
posted by Tony Graham at 12:56 AM
3 Comments:
Tony,
Everyone's elated over last night's game -- as they well should be. But let's not ignore the real fight brewing -- the MAAC!
You continue to take hits from WLB residents in the editorial section for your MU support.
Tony, I'n telling you -- the gloves have to come off. These people have already won Round #1 -- if they continue to spread misinformation re the MAAC they'll also wn Round #2, and it'll be over!
You've stressed how MU has been taking the 'high road' in the issue. Unfortunately, when people like those who have written the press want to go 'low-road' and LIE in their assertions, then you have to get down in the mud with them.
I'll be detailing exactly how they're lying (if it's not already evident to some) in my next blog later today or tomorrow -- but please let's stop worrying about hurting their feelings or sticking to the 'high-road' and censoring legitimate criticism of these people - these people are LYING to get their way & have to be called out on that! Forget about trying to 'win them over' -- that's not going to happen.
Ok...be sure to have facts with your comments, and do not make them personal or I cannot run them.
Tony,
I am very happy with the outcome and the total team concept exhibited during this game. MU basketball at it's best. I think we got a glimpse of how good and controlled the Jet can be, which is scary good. I was there and gave my support, but Sunday is looking unmanagable due to my schedule. Please give me a great recap as per usual, thanks!
Post a Comment
<< Home