Wofford beat Charleston Southern(?) now 9-2, Duke beat everyone but KY, Northeastern 6-3,SHSU 6-4 but its' losses are Wofford, ULNV and power conf Texas A&M and LSU. Only Bucknell 4-6 with losses to mediocre midmajors looks like a real bad loss. Even though I think the program should be beating the Woffords and Northeasterns of the world we may be a little better than I thought we were 2 weeks ago. My optimism is tempered by the eye test. Watching those 6-7 minute offensive droughts (seems like we have 2 per game) puts my computer screen in mortal danger.
Wofford beat Charleston Southern(?) now 9-2, Duke beat everyone but KY, Northeastern 6-3,SHSU 6-4 but its' losses are Wofford, ULNV and power conf Texas A&M and LSU. Only Bucknell 4-6 with losses to mediocre midmajors looks like a real bad loss. Even though I think the program should be beating the Woffords and Northeasterns of the world we may be a little better than I thought we were 2 weeks ago. My optimism is tempered by the eye test. Watching those 6-7 minute offensive droughts (seems like we have 2 per game) puts my computer screen in mortal danger.
Yes those droughts can be frustrating, especially when you see them in person. Hopefully they will occur less frequently as we go along. Certainly the fact that Stevie J. now has shown the ability to score takes off some of the pressure to always rely on Nelson, especially if he gets off to a slow start in any particular game. And a more consistent scoring effort from Kirkland game to game would also help a great deal. As far as final three OOC games, they are all winnable IMO. Of course a HEALTHY return of Bradshaw to Belmont would certainly change the outlook on that contest. Not so sure they want to rush him back too early, especially with Butler and then the league slate starting for the Bruins after this match with the Stags. Albany is okay but certainly beatable. Probably same with Loyola. Almost like most of the MAAC games we will play, many will go down to the wire. And it sure is great to be 2-0 right now in the league! Like you, cautiously optimistic.
Post by nashvillestag on Dec 19, 2014 0:02:15 GMT -5
Wow, highly unusual night for the MAAC as Rider, the Q. and Canisius all win. The Griffs victory over Stony Brook was the most notable. Getting near the end of OOC games so I guess it can't hurt if the league has a little success in this area, right?
I am continually being surprised by Canisius who is 5-4. Offensively they just seem OK, but they are 3rd in the MAAC in Defensive efficiency (behind us) and they have won some close games. They won in OT last night on a jumper by a bench player (Jeremiah Williams) with 11 seconds left.
Playing Defense and winning close games might be enough to put a team in the top 5 in the MAAC. And by adding some offensive explosiveness in March could lead to a MAAC Championship.
Sidibe is playing more minutes this year, but he is taking a lot less shots. I think thats good, because he really should be the 5th option on offense. But what his is doing is .....getting rebounds, getting fouled, and knocking down those FT's. If he focuses on those 3 things, he can be a 10ppg ad 10rpg type of player. With Malcolm becoming more of an intimidator on defense, the Amadou/Malcolm combo is starting to become what we thought it could be. Last year, with Amadou's injury and Malcolm struggling, the Center position became a detriment. Also Coleman has been giving us some good Defense and blocked shots this year. Coleman and Malcolm are giving us close to 30mpg..... meaning we have a shot blocking threat out there for 75% of the game. While those 3 guy might not be our main offensive options, but if they play their roles well, they are invaluable to the outcome of the games.
Johnson admits that at times he didn’t recognize the player Sidibe became last season, but that has quickly changed. The 6’8″ junior has pulled down 7.7 rpg this season and has thrived in getting to the free throw line. His free throw rate (FTA/FGA) is 81.8, so when he pulls down a rebound there is a good chance it is going back up on the offensive end and a whistle is being blown.
Last Edit: Dec 19, 2014 14:41:20 GMT -5 by JoeStag