MBB Arkansas game after thoughts 11/15/13
Regarding the 3 point shooting last night. It was one game and it's early in the season. We shot 34% last year and will end up shooting better this year. You need this kind of game…can't learn anything without a little adversity. It makes you a better, smarter, hungrier player.
Last night loss came as a result of a good Arkansas team hitting us with a pressure trapping defense the entire game and daring us to shoot from beyond the arc. That's what Arkansas does. Mike Anderson coached teams and Sharka Smart VCU teams will rotate their guys in and out in order to create havoc on their opponent defensely baseline to baseline. Arkansas went undefeated at home last year 9-0 and rarely loses a home game.
Bad 3pt shooting on the road can be expected but at home we will not shoot 2 for 17 from outside. Of course we have some things to work on as we move through the OOC schedule. Kevin Brown and Steve Wronkoski had an off night but who doesn't? Expect both those guys to shoot it better vs. Baylor on Sunday.
Elfrid Payton was outstanding and will be outstanding most games even though he tired some at the end of the game. Having to play 39 minutes is tough and causes fatigue. Otherwise EP was unstoppable forcing Arkansas to double him most of the game trying to take the ball out of his hands. Shawn Long and Eldrige Moore played well but had an off night if you were to ask them and still we almost won the game. Bryant Mbamalu return will be icing on the cake down the road.
Overall a TERRIBLE final 5 minutes to close out the game, a GREAT first half and a misleading 13-point loss. We've got a lot to work on, and we know what that is. But the good news is that our Cajuns are the real deal this year, we've got several other guys (Rimmer, Shepard, Davenport, Register) ready to step up, and we've got a GREAT coaching staff. If we hit 3's like we should have last night, we win the game.
Bottom line:
It's not hard being a Louisiana fan right now......
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Originally Posted by Boomer
