Tale of two halves

The first half was some of the smartest basketball this team has played all year. The second half was terrible, leading to another blowout loss. Defense was the main problem in the second half, but the team got impatient again and seemed to give up once Duke got on a little run. I think this season might be over...and it really depresses me. There is no way a team that played so well last year should be this lost. I understand that they lost a huge presense in Rice, but that doesn't explain how why these guys are not working together or sustaining any effort for a full game.

Instead of doing my usual likes and dislikes, I am going to make a few recommendations on saving the season:

-- Shorten the rotation to a 8 guys who will play smart and hard. Forget upside or loyalty. Just play the guys who will pass and run the offense how it should be run.
-- Have a come to Jesus meeting with Sanders. Injures don't explain all that is going on or wrong here. He keeps making the same stubborn mistakes over and over. We will not win without Sanders playing much much better.
-- Give the sophomores more playing time. I think we know the JR class's limitations. Let us see what we truly have in the sophs.
-- Stop shooting 3s. We can't make them. We need to work the ball instead of chucking it.

Time is running out...not just on the season but on this class of six juniors. If these guys can't play better and recognize what works, they will probably be the same mess next year.

I will keep hope and faith. Let's hope it is rewarded. I would hate to see Al's career end on a down note.