BC got smoked by Vermont last night. I couldn't watch it, but when I saw the score, I assumed we were beaten in the usual Skinner upset-mode: outside shooting. I was shocked when I looked at the box score.
We lost despite:
-- Vermont only making five 3-pointers on 11 attempts
-- Vermont being horrible from the line (.583)
-- Vermont only outrebounding us by 5
-- Vermont turning the ball over more than we did
So I ask: how the heck did we lose?
Fortunately Al's team have often started slow and finished strong. This will hopefully be just a blip in the schedule and maybe Vermont will be better than expected.
There are a few things to watch before ACC play that will tell you more about this season.
1. Sean Williams return. According to the write ups Oates really struggled defensively. When Williams comes back he is going to need to be an impact player. We cannot allow teams like Vermont to shoot close to 50% from the field.
2. The new offense. Rice, Haynes and Marshall were very cold Monday. We've beaten teams the last few years with our lowpost, high percentage offense. If we continue to struggle, maybe we move back to it and just lean on Spears and Dudley.
3. Rice running point. Not a strong night. Only two assists. If he struggles, perhaps Haynes should see some minutes at the 1 and have Rice at the 2.
I still have hope but a loss like that can hurt bubble teams. I don't think we will be one, but you never want to leave it in someone else's hands.
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1 comment:
Of course this can only mean that Courageous Al no longer sees any benefits from playing Vermont so, for the good of the program, will have to drop them from the schedule.
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