Random Thoughts on the WSU Game

by Class of 66 on Jan 23, 2009 4:31 AM PST

Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

1. We win another game in which we were out shot and out rebounded. In the end, a few very key defensive stands -- particularly on their last possession, carried the day.

2. Not to denigrate our offense, because it was good tonight as it has been all year -- but games like this are won on D, and that's what we did.

3. Games like this also reflect quality coaching and 2 of the games best went head to head. Bennett deserves all of the credit he gets. CBH had to work hard to beat him -- and interestingly enough, it was probably his compulsive attention to detail that turned the trick. He scouts inbound plays. And, we shut their last gasp play down.

4. I'm a bit surprised that we lost the lead with the starters on the floor. In past games, teams have climbed back into games against our bench only to have the starters come back in, rested, to take it back.

Statistically, the bench played almost as well as the starters -- had about the same shooting percentage and may have outrebounded them when one divides rebounds by minutes played. Obviously, most of their success was during the first half when we were rolling. Roll and JK were impressive.

5. I think the young guys are really coming along. I'm very impressed with JA. He handles the ball with confidence and makes good decisions. The better he gets the more rest DC gets and that is critical. DG always plays well.

6. The difference in the game also reflects our FT performance -- those we didn't make and the 2 AA2 did to win the game. WSU made their FT's, shooting 88.9 to our 60%.

7. We still don't put teams away. Yes, every team has a run in it, but we need to respond with one of our own.

8. I'm really proud that we didn't "tighten up" as Marques kept predicting we would. And, I was pleased to see DC's courage to take the game over rewarded.

9. JH is absolutely quiet efficiency.

10. On great teams, when needed someone steps up and today, it was Drago. For the most part he played a very complete game.

11. Uncharacteristically, we missed some very easy inside shots -- at least 4 I can think of. Just one of those days.

12. Uncharacteristically, AA2 made some outside jump shots. Good for him. But, I hope he goes back to scoring inside.

13. We need to get back to being a better 2nd half team -- to build on our leads and play like barn cats.

14. But, this was a very good win in a tough venue against a very tough team.

On to Saturday.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

Tweet Comment 4 comments | 2 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Interesting Stats

1. DC and Rotchestie had identical games: 3-8 and 6 assists each

2. I’m right about the rebounds:
DG 4 in 10 min
JK 5 in 11 min
ND 4 in 29 min
AA2 1 in 30
JS 3 in 30

sjh

by Class of 66 on Jan 22, 2009 8:53 PM PST reply actions

i'm totally on board with ya c/o 66

your point on rebounds is totally on point. every game we’ve lost this season we’ve struggled to make key free throws. giving away points hurts when it’s decided by a couple.
i feel like holiday defers a lot on O. marques and donny mac spoke about someone needing to take that rw role and he’s that guy. he can create his own shot which would free up the rest of the offensive flow and for some reason just hasn’t done it yet, i think he’ll get there soon enough. could just be a matter of coach or the team’s elder statesmen to assure him it’s ok to do so.
every time aboya takes a jumper, i cringe, especially early in the shot clock. he hit some early in he first half but he was forcing them later on. i’m glad he’s improved on ft’s but i’d like to see him pass the rock. maybe tha’s a part of the reason why we’re being outrebounded… but that was a clutch block at the end of the game
this my amateur opinion not based on anything but my own perception but i feel we get a lift when gordon is in. he rebounds on both ends and is really active in the lane.

Across The Face

by rb bruin on Jan 22, 2009 10:50 PM PST reply actions

We Really Do Miss RW -- and LRMM, Too

I didn’t get to hear the post-game analysis but the point you bring up is spot on.

RW had two qualities we really miss SPEED and a combination of fearlessness and a sense of when he had to do it himself. He was never selfish but he knew when it was up to him to score.

JH has the first quality; he’s playing RW like D and has hit that level in the first part of his first year as a Bruin — way ahead of schedule. But, there are times when I just wish he’d take the ball and go for a score. He clearly has the talent. I, too, think he is such a great team player that he doesn’t think “score” instead thinks “team”. I wonder what CBH is telling him.

We are slower this year on O and D and it shows. As well as JK and DG are playing, they are slower on D than LRMM was. Not a complaint, just an observation. It shows a bit on getting back from a hedge. Although I will say that both are playing better each game. DG may have the speed but not the strength that LRMM had. DG will have it next year after spending a year in the weight room.

Although I’d love for JH to pull an RW facial once in a while — what I notice most about JH’s game is both how consistent he is and how smooth and quiet his game. You don’t think of him until you look at the stat’s and see that he has been masterful. And, like RW, he can rebound.

I know I should not get attached to him because it may break my heart at the end of the year, but I really am. He is such a great talent and team player.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Jan 23, 2009 5:14 AM PST up reply actions

the point on the bench

You mention that the bench played almost as well as the starters. We have an incredibly deep bench and I really want to see our bench get played more. As you stated, it’s rare but our starters let a team claw back, but that’s what happened against WSU and against ASU. These weren’t the freshmen or bench out there when it happened. I think it’s getting clear that our fatigue is helping other teams claw back in because fatigue affects both our O & D. From those stats, its clear that JK and DG can both get rebounds efficiently in the time they played. Yeah, our O might suffer, but we need to spread more play time around.

And I love how well JA has developed as well. He played out of control early on, but now he’s in control, drives towards the basket, and makes smart passes now.

by blinkshot on Jan 23, 2009 9:56 AM PST reply actions