Western is 6-17 ( 2-8). Miami is 7-16 ( 1-9). Probably a game both teams are looking at as a must win. Western’s MAC wins were home games vs BG and Eastern. Their only road win was over Houston Christian. Just like us, they have many close losses, including a one pointer at Minnesota. Sr guard Lamar Norman is averaging 18.1 ppg and has given us problems in the past. Guard Tray Maddox Jr. is the other double digit scorer at 11.7ppg. Western is a strong rebounding team and Markeese Hastings averages 9.9 rpg, second in the MAC.
Wins have been few and far between for our prime Winter sports. Last week we had no wins in 6 games, we had two hockey ties ( vs. the #5 team in the nation) in which we actually lost the shootout. We have been averaging about 1 win per week in usually 6 games since conference play started in January. Hockey is off this week, but both basketball teams have 2 home games and we will probably be a slight favorite in both men’s game and one of the women’s games. We definitely needs some wins to raise spirits and keep us alive in trying to get to Cleveland.
Miami starting off aggressive. Mabrey with a 3 and was able to draw a charge. Safford and Mirambeaux both being active. Lewis looks like he wants to make an impact.
I think Yellow has mentioned this before, but Anderson going from playing a couple minutes a game to averaging 14 points and 6 boards is really quite a story.
A nice effort tonight. Nothing is guaranteed with our group so to find a way to win after a long losing streak should bring a smile to everyone’s face. Yes, it wasn’t a good team, but any win is a good win at this point. I thought we ran our offense nicely. We did a good job of not settling for the outside shot for the most part. Mirambeaux operated more in the low post tonight and took advantage. We were 26/29 from the foul line and only committed 7 turnovers. 18 assists on 26 made field goals was outstanding as well.
Kenyon should get another chance after the way he played tonight. He was always in the right spot. On his putback, he was physical, banging through a guy and getting to the ball. On the defensive glass, he had a really nice block out on a free throw and did what few rebounders do nowadays: he went and found the weak side offensive player on a shot attempt to block out before looking up for the ball. The ball will still be in the air if you get over there quickly enough. Well done young man.
Western will lament not attacking Lairy more on the defensive end. Hubbard was unconscious. Most of his 3s were against good defense. We’ll need to be better on the glass when we play them again. Let’s get another win against Central!
Dudes with his size, feet and hands do not drop out of thin air very often. I’m going to say something here that is going to sound as outlandish as anything I’ve ever said but here goes: if he drops just a bit more weight and keeps improving his defense, he has All American potential next year. Now mind you, that’s his ceiling, not floor, but the possibility isn’t insane in my mind.
He just about had the team high in rebounds and was in the shortest amount of time. This (to me) makes a huge statement about what the possibilities per game could be if someone on the bench steps up and makes being the board leader their mission. Very, very impressive.
but otherwise a decent half.