|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 19:20:19 GMT -5
Post by LIONS90045 on Nov 15, 2009 19:20:19 GMT -5
I am guessing that was the Chevy dealer who sponsored the tournament handing out the trophies. Gotta say from the look of the crowd that this must be a sleepy kind of town. Great tournament for the Lions - highly competitive in all three games on the road, not in their own beds, playing three games straight - a wonderful omen for the season ahead. Teel and Davis on the all tournament team (Viney could have been there too!). At the end of the game, I felt the ghost of Chris Ayers on the floor jinxing our guys - os so close at the finish! Congratulations to Max and the coaches for the excellent preparation for all three games and welcome back on Wednesday!
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 19:23:54 GMT -5
Post by ironlions on Nov 15, 2009 19:23:54 GMT -5
We needed JD and Kevin to have better games tonight.
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 19:33:03 GMT -5
Post by lmumbbfan on Nov 15, 2009 19:33:03 GMT -5
J.D and laron seem to have lost a lot of confidence .With the help they have this year they should be attacking and playing.Coach needs to get the 3 freshmen going along with the new talent.Our bench players need to be played more early so we don't have our starters fatigue late when we need them the most.Kevin,laron and j.d did not score at all and gevin and Alex didn't even get off the bench.Gevin should at least see some time at P.G early in the games.IMHO not a bad coached ball game but not a very good coached game either.
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 19:33:11 GMT -5
Post by zagsfanforlife on Nov 15, 2009 19:33:11 GMT -5
This season will be a good start to where LMU will eventually end up---- near the top of the WCC. This year the team will show many flashes of brilliance, but more growing pains. Lets remember, there is only 1 senior on this team! The best is yet to come.
Zags play Michigan State in East Lansing tuesday night on ESPN. Remember the name Elias Harris. Going to be a good one folks.
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 19:39:32 GMT -5
Post by lmumbbfan on Nov 15, 2009 19:39:32 GMT -5
BOISE STATE!!!!! game we lost in the the end .We gotta take the good with the bad on that one .We should have won this game hands down
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 19:44:15 GMT -5
Post by stonewall on Nov 15, 2009 19:44:15 GMT -5
Just checked the score after being on the road all day. Wow I honestly didn't think they'd have enough in them to play that competitive a game on the road against the best team in the tourney. Losing two by a total of four points sucks for sure, or not, depending on what they do with this experience in the long run.
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 19:48:14 GMT -5
Post by irishlion on Nov 15, 2009 19:48:14 GMT -5
First - Ash is out injured...again.
Second - I think we should probably trust in the coach's evaluation of the talent, and who can do what in a game. Players that may have been able to get things done last year, may not get much time this year. From a fan's perspective - its not a bad thing to be more talented.
Coach is probably only going to go 8 deep in tough games. Our top four or five players need to be (and are, IMO) capable of playing a complete game. Did I think they looked tired at the end? No. Those last few plays by Teel, Davis and Viney all showed good legs and quickness. You don't drain a three from that deep when you're tired.
LaRon looked bad in the exhibition game. And is still struggling with being in the right spot. However - coach likes him, loves his effort, and respects his heart. So he will give LaRon the opportunity to settle in to the new talent pool. Same with Kevin. Same with JD. Their roles are going to change this year, and they will need some time to adjust to that change. This weekend went a long way to achieving that.
One of the worst things you can do to a freshman with potential is throw him out there too soon in close games. Given, Alex and Quincy got time in the easier game this weekend, and that will help them settle in. Edgar is another story - he's ready right now. But to ask Given to step in and run an offense in a close game is a tougher call.
I expect to see ALOT of Vernon, Larry and Drew. The other two spots can interchange a bit - but those three are irreplaceable. Just my opinion.
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 20:04:29 GMT -5
Post by zagsfanforlife on Nov 15, 2009 20:04:29 GMT -5
Vernon is too hot cold for my liking. He needs to be more consistent and turn it over a lot less
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 20:08:04 GMT -5
Post by irishlion on Nov 15, 2009 20:08:04 GMT -5
The thing I love about Vernon is -he is a flat out competitor. He needs to adjust to working with the higher calibre teammates this year - and I've already seen an improvement from Hope to Montana. Once he gets his passing timed better, he'll be fine. It has to be hard, after last year, to just trust your teammates to get it done. He can do that this year.
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 22:32:12 GMT -5
Post by lmumbbfan on Nov 15, 2009 22:32:12 GMT -5
To Irishlion!!!! ;)Thanks for giving me another angle to look at our team with.I just hope all the guy's find their role and gel together and contribute to the team and each other .Anyways I can hardly wait until conference play starts so we can smash pepperdine >:(at our house and theirs ;D from:lmumbbfan ;D
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 22:42:01 GMT -5
Post by LIONS90045 on Nov 15, 2009 22:42:01 GMT -5
Great comments and dialogue on the tournament in these postings. My views on the three-day tournament: 1. Coaches – these guys did a fantastic job preparing the team for all three games – especially against Montana. Had to slow down their guards and reduce our fouling, which we did well for most of the game. Didn’t handle the big guy Qvale too well underneath but Garibay did better than Diederichs. Tim is coming around and played a competitive game. 2. The Bench – Agree with several others that Given should have been in the game, especially at the end of the first half when our guys were definitely looking weary. Sorry, I disagree with irishlion on this point and agree with lmubbfan. Lambdachi expressed the same sentiments during the contest. And maybe Osborne could have used his bulk to keep the big guy away from the rim. I think one call against Tim was an offensive foul on Qvale. 3. The Tournament – Great showing by LMU. Our RPI will definitely rise. Our guys leave with much greater confidence in winning each week. We could have won all three with a few more free throws and a few better calls. Great showing LMU! 4. Free Throws – cost us two games IMHO. We played so well but could have prevailed in all three games with a few more FTs in the hoop. Davis played great against Montana but did miss a few critical FTs. Maybe his legs were a bit tired. As well as others. 5. Miscellaneous – the ghost of Chris Ayers continues to haunt us under the hoops with fewer than 10 seconds left! Positives: 1. Davis is playing! Playing better than my highest expectations! 2. Tim Diederichs is picking up his game. We are competitive at Center position but Tim will start for a while due to experience. Garibay seems to play better defensively but tends to miss his shots underneath and we don’t need him on the perimeter or beyond. Not a knock on Edgar, he is a great asset and I expect him to start after a few more games. 3. Laron Armstead – dedicated player entering the seasosn buff but still looking for his role on this squad. The coaches respectfully give him preference due to his record last year but he has not found a role – shot not good enough for guard, too small under the hoop. A muscle man but may not have a future place on the team. 4. Young – a gamer, did not score tonight but that is not his strength. Rebounding, and defense is his game. 5. Teel – what can you say about Vernon! Great tournament! All tournament team! Can lapse into trying to take the world on his shoulders at times – not needed this year Vernon. Much improvement on this front and keep up the good work. 6. Garibay – great on defense and rebounding! Need to make those layups under the hoop. A most welcome addition and fulfills his expectations for a Frosh! 7. Kalipinde – a spark on offense - needs to see more time on the court, perhaps limited minutes but an opportunity to contribute and gain experience, even in tight games. This kid is for real! 7 points, 2 steals, plus assists in 10 minutes in the ND game. 8. Osborne – a DI body inside, raw talent but potential great. Needs experience. Got great first experience in game against North Dakota – dunk plus FTs. Clogs up the middle. Could he have kept Qvale away from the hoop tonight? 9. Chine – let’s see more of this quiet fellow – one-for-one for three! Quietly competent on the court. Saw only limited minutes in the North Dakota game. 10. Viney – all WCC forward. Great play all around. Key to our season with Davis and Teel. Able to hit key shots under pressure and defend, etc. Go Drew! Only a sophomore athletically! 11. JD DuBios – needs to improve his shooting. 3 of 10 against UND, 0 for 6 against Montana. A great presence on the court and A1 defender but we need more scoring from this position, i.e., shooting percentage. Hopes for the season. My expectations are high after these three games over three days on the road. I am not sure about you but I don’t sleep well in motels on the road and our guys must have been totally weary by late Sunday afternoon. Yes, Montana eeked out a 1-point win on their home court but wait until Dec 10 at Gersten!. Coaches are adapting their game plans to the competition strength and players are responding. Need to get the young guys into the lineup sooner. These games were important to our record but not our WCC season. Great opportunity to give our “best and brightest” a chance to get the experience we will need later rather than trying to win these at all costs. Go Lions! A great tournament! ;D ;D
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 22:54:52 GMT -5
Post by irishlion on Nov 15, 2009 22:54:52 GMT -5
Good comments, wr - my only added comment will be once again, trust that the coaches know more about these players than we do. I'm not going to go all negative by listing why Given, Alex, Kelsey, or any of the others didn't play. Just to note that there are very valid, legitimate reasons for holding them out. The coaches really don't make choices randomly. They see things at practice, team meetings, walk throughs, whatever that provide the necessary information on who is ready, and who isn't. I'm sure coach would have LOVED to be able to sub at the point position today. Having Given ready to run an offense will be a luxury that the coach will welcome. WHEN HE'S READY. Let's give the kids a half second to learn the plays, the system, the defense, the roles of their teammates. It's a lot to handle right out of the gate.
Positive notes - Given is blessed athletically. He is amazingly quick, and jumps out of the gym. When he's ready - he will fill in some shoes very capably. Alex - great body, also athletic. Kelsey same thing. They all did fine against ND - which was a weak game. All three will get there minutes in more difficult situations when they are ready. Let's put a little more respect into trusting the coaches to know when that will be.
GO LIONS!
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 23:22:44 GMT -5
Post by thx4leavinjimlynam on Nov 15, 2009 23:22:44 GMT -5
Excellent analysis and chatter. I agree the coaches do not randomly decide to not play people---there are reasons. Also, our NCAA Tournament teams (1979-80 with Ron Jacobs, along with the three Westhead teams) were all seven or eight deep, at most (the 1985-86 NIT team played only six or seven). So I like the idea of playing a tight rotation.
At halftime today, on KXLU, Husak mentioned Ashley coming back soon and him being part of the eight-man rotation. In tight games, I think it is best go with your best veteran players. We have a few cupcakes on the schedule in non-league (plus Pepperdine), so there will be time for the freshman to get a look.
Our rebounding is very impressive. We outrebounded Montana 39-29. We had 15 offensive rebounds, and they had 22 defensive rebounds. In comparison, they only had 7 offensive boards and we had 24 defensive rebounds. In other words, we forced a lot of second chances while not allowing many.
Teel's 6 turnovers are WAY too many, but he did have 7 assists (and 5 offensive rebounds). He is indeed a competitor.
Lastly, JD, Armstead, and Young had to be among the nation leaders for "freshman minutes per game" last year. Those three deserve a special thank you from us fans. All three will have to adjust this year. JD will need to be a shut-down guard defender, while Young and Armstead can provide energy off the bench. I like what I saw from Young and Garibay on defense. We are LONG defensively with those two in the paint!
Coach Scholl mentioned on the postgame show that this isn't a season for moral victories, but I do hope the players can take a brief moment to appreciate how quickly they have raised the program's stature. Go Lions!
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 15, 2009 23:32:47 GMT -5
Post by fanblade on Nov 15, 2009 23:32:47 GMT -5
We are certatinly not in the "basement" anymore in regards to college basketball. Coach Good mentioned in the pre-season luncheon among all socal hoops coaches that he would rather undersell the team and over deliver but that LMU would not be an "easy win" any more. His point was proved 3-fold this tournament. We have a team coming off a 3-28 season loaded up with all new fresh faces play three games back-to-back and they did a remarkable job showing they could hang with the competition. Sadly the heartbreakers make it a 1-2 outing but I'll give the Lions a pass given that was quite the welcome to D1 basketball for some of our players. How about Garibay being thrown into the fire and playing like he's a returning starter? I have to agree with irishlion about the rotation. I think the coaches were smart to rely on a tight rotation. I think it is clear that our starters were getting a little fatigued but it would have been worse if Good tried wholesale subbing and Montana happens to go on a tear and we need to dig ourselves out from behind with an already tired squad. Given and the other players that didn't see a whole lot of game time will have their chance to be rolled out. I really hope the lions take a lot of pride coming out of this tournament. But also a little bit of a chip on their shoulder. Clearly they seem like they "have something to prove" and they do. What better way to bounce back than taking care of business at home. Sorry UCI.
|
|
|
Montana
Nov 16, 2009 0:41:07 GMT -5
Post by ironlions on Nov 16, 2009 0:41:07 GMT -5
Our rotation will go about 8 as the season progresses.
|
|