For those of you that didn't catch it, the two teams ended up tied in rebounding at 37-37. After the first half, I doubt anyone would have thought that possible.
OSU finished with 20 2nd chance points. UT finished with 16. Sounds crazy after all the offensive rebounds they got.
Our defense held them to 34% shooting. I think I heard that they came into the game averaging something like 43% FG%age.
Their leading scorer (Holmes) was 0 for 10.
I don't know what kind of halftime adjustments our coaches made, but they worked to perfection. The difference in rebounding, 2nd chance points, defense (basically things that are impacted by effort) was night and day.
For the first time, I really got the feeling that Griffin deserves the minutes he is getting. Maybe more. He had 3 rebounds and played stellar, aggressive defense. Manzer mentioned it during the game, but I also liked how he was not afraid to drive the ball into the paint and then dish to the open man. We need more of that.
Shine and Newberry came to play. If just one of them steps up in each of our remaining games, we should have a chance to win. If both make solid contributions, we will have a good chance to win.
At different times in the game, Nash, Forte and Hickey all put the team on their shoulders and did what was necessary to carry us to victory. Each of them played like warriors and deserves credit.
I hate that there are posters who are still so critical of Nash. I understand why, but I really think he is misunderstood. He has been a great kid, great teammate, and has carried us to many victories over the years.
I said it in the game thread, but damn Myles Turner is good. I really hope he doesn't pull a M Smart and stick around for 1 more year. I doubt he will.
Looking ahead, I think it is likely that we lose our next 2 games, but I also see reasons for optimism. This team went on the road to Miizzou and played well. Then they went on the road to a better opponent/tougher venue and played well (but came up just short). This team plays excellent defense, and I think that will keep us in most of our road games. Nash and Forte can be counted on to play well. Shine has had 3 strong games in a row and looks to be getting more comfortable. Newberry is only a notch behind him, IMO. If we can get strong games from 2 or 3 of Hickey, Cobbins, Griffin, Hammonds, and Allen/Solomon, we should have enough to take down a tough road opponent.
After those 2 games, I wouldn't be surprised if we won 3 in a row.
OSU finished with 20 2nd chance points. UT finished with 16. Sounds crazy after all the offensive rebounds they got.
Our defense held them to 34% shooting. I think I heard that they came into the game averaging something like 43% FG%age.
Their leading scorer (Holmes) was 0 for 10.
I don't know what kind of halftime adjustments our coaches made, but they worked to perfection. The difference in rebounding, 2nd chance points, defense (basically things that are impacted by effort) was night and day.
For the first time, I really got the feeling that Griffin deserves the minutes he is getting. Maybe more. He had 3 rebounds and played stellar, aggressive defense. Manzer mentioned it during the game, but I also liked how he was not afraid to drive the ball into the paint and then dish to the open man. We need more of that.
Shine and Newberry came to play. If just one of them steps up in each of our remaining games, we should have a chance to win. If both make solid contributions, we will have a good chance to win.
At different times in the game, Nash, Forte and Hickey all put the team on their shoulders and did what was necessary to carry us to victory. Each of them played like warriors and deserves credit.
I hate that there are posters who are still so critical of Nash. I understand why, but I really think he is misunderstood. He has been a great kid, great teammate, and has carried us to many victories over the years.
I said it in the game thread, but damn Myles Turner is good. I really hope he doesn't pull a M Smart and stick around for 1 more year. I doubt he will.
Looking ahead, I think it is likely that we lose our next 2 games, but I also see reasons for optimism. This team went on the road to Miizzou and played well. Then they went on the road to a better opponent/tougher venue and played well (but came up just short). This team plays excellent defense, and I think that will keep us in most of our road games. Nash and Forte can be counted on to play well. Shine has had 3 strong games in a row and looks to be getting more comfortable. Newberry is only a notch behind him, IMO. If we can get strong games from 2 or 3 of Hickey, Cobbins, Griffin, Hammonds, and Allen/Solomon, we should have enough to take down a tough road opponent.
After those 2 games, I wouldn't be surprised if we won 3 in a row.
