Post by GBPhoenix1 on Jan 30, 2014 10:15:11 GMT -6
I felt like guys really wanted to step up but ended up forcing some things on offense. Jordan had 3 travels an some longer jumpers that didn't go down, shots that he normally doesn't take. For that matter shots that he does need to start hitting consistently in the future. Vince forced his way to the hoop several time and missed or was blocked. In the first half Lowe forced up an air ball on a shot he has never taken before. C Love missed a few jumpers badly but to his credit he did start going to the hoop in the second half. Tevin was the only guy who stepped up on offense but stayed within his ability, excluding a free throw that he missed by a foot or two.
The bigger issues were defense, rebounding and Valpo's defense. Fernandez and #23 for Valpo caught GB sleeping on defense several times. They got behind the defense on the baseline and got easy buckets. These were in spots where Alec would be a factor not just be blocking/altering but by being aware. On rebounding they got killed in the first half. Valpo took it to them, it was a sad effort combined with a lack of size. Then Valpo's defense really sold out for a lack of a better term to stop guys in scoring positions. They brought bigs to stop penetration, they doubled when needed and left guys open who were out of their element. GB never found the right guys in those situations.
I would expect a better effort on Saturday even if Brown is out. It certainly couldn't be any worse. This will be a good test to see what they are made of. Within the games they have bounced back when down, I would expect after this type of loss they will do the same.
The bigger issues were defense, rebounding and Valpo's defense. Fernandez and #23 for Valpo caught GB sleeping on defense several times. They got behind the defense on the baseline and got easy buckets. These were in spots where Alec would be a factor not just be blocking/altering but by being aware. On rebounding they got killed in the first half. Valpo took it to them, it was a sad effort combined with a lack of size. Then Valpo's defense really sold out for a lack of a better term to stop guys in scoring positions. They brought bigs to stop penetration, they doubled when needed and left guys open who were out of their element. GB never found the right guys in those situations.
I would expect a better effort on Saturday even if Brown is out. It certainly couldn't be any worse. This will be a good test to see what they are made of. Within the games they have bounced back when down, I would expect after this type of loss they will do the same.