MBB Final: Louisiana 66, USM 45

[ColoradoCajun]

Kobe Julien, according to the MBB Instagram. Anyway, I'm really happy we're 2-0 and got another big win. Geaux Cajuns!

[Cajunsmike]

It’s weird. Back in the early 90’s, their budget was double ours.

They were able to get into CUSA when it was formed while we had to struggle as an independent for a few years.

[Rainman66]

Defense and hustle will always be something we can control, so that is very encouraging. In the past, we’ve been streaky offensively. I wouldn’t say that’s what happened last night. I think the most impressive things were A) you didn’t shoot well and won by a lot B) when crunch time rolled around, the entire team seemed to have kicked their play into overdrive.

I am all for the basketball team taking a page from football and just winning, even it is mostly ugly. As Dr Maggard says ... "Winning Matters" !!

[CajunEXPRESS]

It was a good OOC win. Not sure how good USM will be, but they’re future conference mates and it was on the road. I haven’t looked at the past schedules, but it feels like these early season OOC games against regular joe teams were just ones we’d lose.

Actually USM is currently awful!!!

Their season win total hasn’t gotten to double digits in the last 3 seasons. CajunsMike reminded me that they returned that entire awful team just another year older.

[CharlieK]

Actually USM is currently awful!!!

Their season win total hasn’t gotten to double digits in the last 3 seasons. CajunsMike reminded me that they returned that entire awful team just another year older.

Well we shot like 30% and turned the ball over 6,230 (approximately) times in the first half and beat them by 21. So I’d say they are awful.

[DaddyCajun]

Wow, hope we lower the turnovers.and shoot the rock better!

[JayWalker]

USM doubled every time the Cajuns brought the ball inside....it left the "3" open but they struggled for about 30 minutes.

Then they hit five in a row.

Game over.

We are going to play a lot better competition next Sunday and Tuesday. But this is a good defensive team, I think.

[Cajunsmike]

USM doubled every time the Cajuns brought the ball inside....it left the "3" open but they struggled for about 30 minutes.

Then they hit five in a row.

Game over.

We are going to play a lot better competition next Sunday and Tuesday. But this is a good defensive team, I think.

Bigs need to make their decisions quicker once the get the ball inside. At times, they need to kick the ball out back to the guards quicker. That will allow shooters to catch and release in rhythm. That will result in a higher percentage. Another option is for the big to repost after the kickout and catch it inside once again. Often you have a greater chance to score inside from the second entry pass. I thought they forced the drive and shot off the first entry pass at times on Friday night. Of course you have to mix all that up. Faster decision making is what is needed to have more efficiency on offense. Now this is not football. Those decisions have to be made from instinct and muscle memory. Despite all that, defense stays strong and they will be in just about every game.