cncchris33
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2009
- Messages
- 32,321
- Likes
- 44,806
For my friend, Kentucky Sucks, Tennessee wins 64-54. Another game where I'd have liked to see us close out an inferior opponent, but you take the win. We were up 15 with under 2 minutes to play.
The Good...
1. Obviously, Devon Baulkman. 22 pts, 6 rebs, 2 stls, 1 blk, and only 1 TO. Like I have been saying in recent reports, he plays better, and I like him more and more each time I see him. This was a culmination of the glimpses we have seen leading up, and a testament to his reputation as a high-level scorer. Sure, it was Mercer, but 7-9 (4-6 from 3) is efficient regardless of opponent.
2. 9 total steals in this game from 5 different players. All from the guards too sans Armani (technically), so the press and backcourt defense appear to be active.
3. JRich with a nice "point guard" performance. 11 pts, 6 assts, 3 stls, and 3 TOs. He focused less on scoring and more on setting up the hot hand in this game.
4. We started out aggressive and took the reins from the outset for once. We didn't allow ourselves to get down in the 1st half, forcing a needed 2nd half comeback. We shot 57.9% in the 1st half and held Mercer to 18.2%.
5. Robert Hubbs is getting there. This was the most engaged and active I can remember him being this year. 9 pts and a couple rebounds and steals on 3-6 shooting. I'd almost like to see CDT force RH3 to attempt 12 shots against Tennessee St. just to see what is reaction would be to being forced to engage himself. I want him to be more selfish and build some confidence.
The Bad...
1. A single player (another guard) once again has a field day against us from outside. Granted, Nwamu is a fine player, but he hung 30 on us. The book is out on our defensive weakness.
2. Armani Moore finally reeled in the shot attempts, but still committed 6 TOs. As a team, we committed 16, which is well above our average.
3. We are still fouling a lot, and even the close ones that are probably no-calls vs other teams are going against us because of our reputation for fouling. That was evident on some really questionable calls last night, but we aren't going to get the benefit of doubt with our reputation.
4. Mostella made no impact, and maybe that was partly to do with Baulkman. His defense is improving and his offense is hit or miss. He needs more consistency, but his talent is undeniable.
Overall...
A good game overall. Better 1st half than 2nd half obviously, and you would like to put away an opponent who shoots 18% for a half, but I am seeing strides by several players in small doses. Hopefully we get them all firing in time for conference play. The top 2 spots in the SEC are likely locked down, but the rest is wide open for the taking if we can adjust to playing shorthanded in the post and knock down some shots while playing better perimeter defense.
The Good...
1. Obviously, Devon Baulkman. 22 pts, 6 rebs, 2 stls, 1 blk, and only 1 TO. Like I have been saying in recent reports, he plays better, and I like him more and more each time I see him. This was a culmination of the glimpses we have seen leading up, and a testament to his reputation as a high-level scorer. Sure, it was Mercer, but 7-9 (4-6 from 3) is efficient regardless of opponent.
2. 9 total steals in this game from 5 different players. All from the guards too sans Armani (technically), so the press and backcourt defense appear to be active.
3. JRich with a nice "point guard" performance. 11 pts, 6 assts, 3 stls, and 3 TOs. He focused less on scoring and more on setting up the hot hand in this game.
4. We started out aggressive and took the reins from the outset for once. We didn't allow ourselves to get down in the 1st half, forcing a needed 2nd half comeback. We shot 57.9% in the 1st half and held Mercer to 18.2%.
5. Robert Hubbs is getting there. This was the most engaged and active I can remember him being this year. 9 pts and a couple rebounds and steals on 3-6 shooting. I'd almost like to see CDT force RH3 to attempt 12 shots against Tennessee St. just to see what is reaction would be to being forced to engage himself. I want him to be more selfish and build some confidence.
The Bad...
1. A single player (another guard) once again has a field day against us from outside. Granted, Nwamu is a fine player, but he hung 30 on us. The book is out on our defensive weakness.
2. Armani Moore finally reeled in the shot attempts, but still committed 6 TOs. As a team, we committed 16, which is well above our average.
3. We are still fouling a lot, and even the close ones that are probably no-calls vs other teams are going against us because of our reputation for fouling. That was evident on some really questionable calls last night, but we aren't going to get the benefit of doubt with our reputation.
4. Mostella made no impact, and maybe that was partly to do with Baulkman. His defense is improving and his offense is hit or miss. He needs more consistency, but his talent is undeniable.
Overall...
A good game overall. Better 1st half than 2nd half obviously, and you would like to put away an opponent who shoots 18% for a half, but I am seeing strides by several players in small doses. Hopefully we get them all firing in time for conference play. The top 2 spots in the SEC are likely locked down, but the rest is wide open for the taking if we can adjust to playing shorthanded in the post and knock down some shots while playing better perimeter defense.
Last edited:
