MBB Final: Ragin' Cajuns 94, Bulldogs 88

[CharlieK]

We beat a team shooting lights out. Several of their threes came from guys who either hadn't hit a shot or a three this year yet. A bunch of their shots were contested.
Additionally we were poor from the line in the first half. And we still won. We have a good team.

[Rainman66]

Is it just me or does it seem like there are a handful of people in this thread hoping that this team is not successful?

I understand the Marlin issues, but hoping for his demise, just to be proven right, is not good for the University.

[cajuns80]

Yes, but 88 will lose allot of game as well. Got to sure up that D a little.

I'm concerned about giving up 88 to a team that ran 2 sets over and over and over again and Marlin made no adjustment to it. There will come a time in the season where we cannot have a guard trio of Fulks, Garnett, Williams out there. We are too small and thin with that backcourt at times. Tech was just running a dribble drive set getting the switches between the 3 of them until they got the matchup they wanted.

[fanof71]

It looks like uncontrolled chaios to me, but obviously it's controlled chaios.

I don't think you get there without a few well designed offensive sets.

Inside out pass, pass, inside out, shoot

[RoarMan]

It looks like uncontrolled chaios to me, but obviously it's controlled chaios.

I don't think you get there without a few well designed offensive sets.

What is chaios??? LOL!

[cajun55]

What is chaios??? LOL!

Chaios! Love it haha

Nice win! Wish we had an exciting non-con home schedule coming up with this team. Conference play will be fun though.

4-0! What is our RPI now?

[zephyr]

Observations off the court. Went by the gear table. Did not see anything “Lafayette”. Made a point to thank them for such, was Christmas previewing, didn’t buy tonight.

Students…down the stretch they were a factor. I hope our administration doesn't go gestapo on them for the “f*** tech” after free throws in the last minute. The musical chair thing will end when someone cracks their dome from someone pulling the chair out from under another player.

Cajundome. Still turn the PA down. And the obvious mess up. Had the halftime free throw shooting contest student vs a player. When the student scored a little chime went off. Some genius didn’t turn it off, so every free throw we made in the second half, yup it went off. Good job getting the students to their seating, politely steered them to the right sections. Can’t comment on concessions, didn’t take out a loan.

The game itself…

Tech’s guards played with good pressure and killed us most of the game. Tried to force Jordan to beat them. Brown’s basketball IQ is up there, he played very smart ball tonight, took what they gave him. And credit the Cajuns, had one last push and took advantage when the door opened. The team responded, not just one guy, that was refreshing.

A little to add to this post. I was wondering what that horrible sound was when someone hit the free throws.

I think its the opposite for Brown. They were forcing other players to beat them by doubling him up the entire game. They did not let him get settled on that block and Lewis has been taking advantage of that while sitting on the opposite block or at the FT line. I also like that we were more balanced scoring wise. We had 5 guys in double figures and they only had 2. Still need to get more from the bench as Brown cannot play 35 minutes a night and we had 3 total players at over 30 minutes. That will catch up to us sooner or later.

Tech was good and played really good defense despite the 94 points we scored.

Difference in the game was rebounding, particularly on the offensive end and turnovers. We had a great night moving the ball and it showed with 20 assists and only 12 turnovers. Rebounding got us the lead with some second chance points and possession extensions.

Fun game to be at, not going to lie. I couldn't believe the number of students we had. I haven't seen that type of turnout in a long time from them and they were loud.

[zephyr]

I think you have to give Tech credit. They shot it really well for most of the game. Many of those makes were tough looks.

I don’t know what their final shooting % was but I imagine it was still very good for the game. Even with their cold finish.

They shot 56% from 3 and 52% for the game. I will agree, I thought we played pretty good defense but both teams had to hit some tough shots.

[zephyr]

I’ve got to give it to Terrance Williams. He is playing great but I think allot of that has to do with how many teams are doubling Jordan brown. It’s opening up the inside for him and he is playing superb. He has been a great pickup. I am also impressed with both Fulks and Thomas at the PG position.

Lewis. But yes, that is why they are playing him and not going 4 out. He's a very good offensive rebounder and keeps many possessions alive with his activity and he was the main reason we took the lead late and won. He got several key putbacks and rebounds late. He plays with a chip on his shoulder. Spent so many seasons in Juco and I think he really just wants to get one last chance to win. Good pickup and he's the heart of the team.

[Bandwagon King]

You mean UL really has a basketball team this season? Are they good? Are they fun to watch?

[cajun55]

Fun game to be at, not going to lie. I couldn't believe the number of students we had. I haven't seen that type of turnout in a long time from them and they were loud.

That's what happens when you play in-state or regional rivals. You get that excitement. I expect the same type of turnout for Southern Miss. I know many enjoy seeing Tech down but these are the teams we should be playing regularly, it's why I hope they eventually get into the Sun Belt.

[zephyr]

I will make a few quick points as it is late. Greg Williams Jr is a guy I was down on at the half. Could not make a shot and was struggling on defense. Dalcourt subbing for him was key as Jalen hit some threes and kept us in striking distance. Greg was a different guy in second half and put game away at line. For those who have observed previous squads played a little too much one on one, they will be happy with Cajuns having 20 assists. That is an excellent number for any college game and indicative of true team first play. Finally the crowd was announced at roughly 3200. Seemed like it was much more due to the energy they brought to the squad. Student section especially was excellent. Fans who came out were a factor in the outcome and had fun. Hopefully the team keeps entertaining the fans in future games.

Agreed Mike. I felt we moved the ball better this game but we still have to do something when Thomas comes in. He dribbles the ball WAY too much and stalls the offense. I'm thinking that's why his minutes have gone down thus far this season. Fulks made some really nice dishes and you can tell that's why he's starting. He plays sometimes a little out of control but he gets behind his man often and can make things happen.