So let's talk defense

[mat1992 2,233]

The only way we're winning this tournament is for the league's top defense to step up. At times, we were brilliant in the first half, pressuring Walters and the NE ballhandlers all over the place. If we don't defend early, we're getting blown out and it's tough to come back. In the second half, with no CT or even Paar to protect the paint (and guys in foul trouble like Holden) the Huskies guards (esp. Walters) were getting to the tin with little resistance. If they see Thompson around, they know he's always around.

Delaware's guards are not as big or as athletic as Walters or as huge as Telfort, though Davis was sensational today for them in the middle. If he starts, we should go with Gray and Holden if CT can't go. I assume Charles will give it a go, but if he's limping and is a detriment on both ends, it's not worth it. Maybe he can play the way Painter is playing and that's limited minutes. .Nothing against Chris B., but he should not touch the ball on offense. He had that on touch where he gave it back to Nick, who tried this difficult drive on the baseline and he was called for the charge. Defensively, he tried his best on Dougherty and thought did a decent job. And then a rebound went right through his hands. Paar is limited mainly because of lack of foot speed and foul troubles. I would play him against Painter and that's about it, that's even if CT can't go. Of course, Gray is not a true 5 so not sure you can play him more than 10-15 minutes there. 

Bottom line is you have to adapt. Play better defense on the perimeter. Delaware is not a physical team like NE, but they have some talent. They looked good today and beat a pretty decent Drexel team. If we defend the way we are capable of, we should be playing on Tuesday.

Would also be nice if 0 and 11 can start to hit shots.

[TigerFan54 102]

9 minutes ago, mat1992 said:

Would also be nice if 0 and 11 can start to hit shots.

I think we're going to see Gibson get hot. He's been off his game lately, so he's due.

[mat1992 2,233]

Forgot to add that NE shot 45.5% in the first half after we held them to 40.7% in the first half. However, they went 0-9 from 3pt. We went 7 of 14 from 3pt in the second half. They hit one of those three-pointers down the stretch and we still might be playing. But that's one of the reasons they were the No. 9 seed. Good in the paint. They dominated us 36-20, but not enough on the perimeter.

More about CT. We miss more than anything is his heart and relentless play. His ability on offense to set high screens and then roll and also his passing ability is very underrated. We can't replace that if he doesn't play or if he's well less than 100%, and is basically a decoy. Others have to step up and I think Gray is the guy who can give you 10 and 6. He is capable of being a stretch 5 and also giving more on defense against the Hens. If he can't get Davis or Painter out of the key, that could open it up for Nolan or Holden to drive.

[TuTigers2012 1,061]

50 minutes ago, TigerFan54 said:

I think we're going to see Gibson get hot. He's been off his game lately, so he's due.

They both need to shoot better for us to have a chance in the next few games 

[mat1992 2,233]

Jason Gibson against NE:

1-7 (0-4 3pt) 4pts

1-1 (0-0) 2pts road

3-5 (2-4 3pt) 10pts

Against Delaware: 

14pts, 4-7 FG (2-3 3pt)

8pts 3-8 FG (2-4 3pt) road

The length of NE really does/did bother him. But he is 4 for his last 20 from 3-point range. Also against Charleston and JMU twice. Not counting that Delaware game of 18:42 when he opened up the scoring with a 3-pointer.