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Post by LIONS90045 on Feb 1, 2015 18:59:09 GMT -5
University of San Diego – Part II
The Lions lost to USD 59-50 in their first contest in Jenny Craig Pavillion.
Poor ball handling plagued the Lions in that game as the Toreros enjoyed a 24-12 points edge off turnovers. This aspect of the Lions’ game has improved dramatically since. Dee scored 18 and pesky Anderson had 14 for USD in that game and big center Kok had 8 blocks.
USD is coming off a home win over the Dons 77-69 and enjoys a 5-6 WCC record, tied for 5th place with Santa Clara. Portland, USF and LMU follow with 3 wins.
I’m looking for a big game at home from the Lions as we try to even the score this year with USD.
Go Lions!
Gametime: Thursday, Feb 5 at 7 pm in Gersten. Video: TheW.tv (other tv tbd)
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Post by ALioninWinter on Feb 1, 2015 20:11:41 GMT -5
I'm sure the Toreros will be favored, but I think the Lions can prevail if Deji and Patson play.
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Post by longtimelionfan on Feb 1, 2015 23:53:29 GMT -5
I think the key to this game for the Lions is three point defense. During the conference season, both teams average the same amount of made threes per game - 5. If the Lions play better defense and play as they have offensively over the last 5 games they can beat the Torreros even if Deji and Patson fail to return on Thursday.
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Post by husky on Feb 2, 2015 21:16:18 GMT -5
I'm really looking forward to this game. I doubt USD will be favored; this contest, on paper, seems to be about as even as 2 teams can be. Both feature a guard as scoring leader (Dee/Evan), both have "second banana" low double digit guard scorers (Anderson/DiJi), and both feature respectable scoring from the next 6/7 players. Both have been playing well the last several games including playing almost identical games at Santa Clara and USF. However, USD does sport a "signature win" by upsetting BYU at San Diego; on the other hand USD lost to Pacific at Stockton. And we are at home.
WCC teams have done a good job holding down Dee's scoring but Evan's scoring has been lower as well. I agree that a key to the game will be playing well against their guards. In addition to the scoring threat Dee and Anderson both have highly respectable assist to TO ratios and lots of steals. If Deji and Siame are back we could regain any edge. Siame had perhaps his best effort in the first contest with 10 points.
On to coaching. Coach Grier is currently sporting a one game over 500 record and when the Torero's end up over 500 (only twice in 8 years), USD likes renegotiate his contract and give him still another $100,000 so he will be coaching hard. Coach Dunlap is does not have a matching incentive; however, I have learned from this forum and ESPN and TW Cable color announcers that Coach Dunlap is one of the greatest basketball coaching minds, ever. So again, pretty even. In this case am betting on the Lions and Coach Mike!
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Post by LIONS90045 on Feb 2, 2015 22:07:32 GMT -5
Husky - there may be a bit of truth in the announcers' hype about Dunlap's abilities. It seems to me that he may be a defensive genius if things continue as they have lately. It's hard to characterize his defense, kind of a collapsing zone that morphs into man-to-man, or vice versa? I'm not an expert in such matters and tend to follow the ball rather than watch the overall defensive set up but Dunlap's schemes, including (lately) the press, seem to unsettle the opponent. He seems to be teaching team play on offense and minimization of errors. It's catching on it seems. In some interview, I also heard Dunlap admits that his players "may hate me but they are better players when they leave my program." (not literal) OK. I also think we can and will win on Thursday, but this is a crazy season in the WCC and anything can happen. It would definitely help is Deji and Patson are back but we have a chance in any case. I would especially like to see Patson get more experience before Vegas as each game seems to bring progress with this group. Let's see which coaching genius prevails! Go Lions!
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Post by slblions08 on Feb 2, 2015 22:52:40 GMT -5
Naismith. Rupp. Wooden. Smith. Coach K. Dunlap.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Feb 2, 2015 23:21:14 GMT -5
Our next banner over the Getsten floor!
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Post by golions1444 on Feb 3, 2015 15:46:09 GMT -5
Anyone have any updates on Patson and Deji?
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Post by pumpfake on Feb 4, 2015 21:11:54 GMT -5
USD favored by 2. It's anyone's game.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Feb 4, 2015 22:08:47 GMT -5
golions - re Patson and Deji, I suspect we'll find out at tip off tomorrow and not before. No sense helping the enemy one way or the other, eh?
pumpfake - I like the odds and am hoping the Lions can get off to a quicker start. We've had to dig out of holes in most of our games and that happening will catch up to us sooner or later.
Go Lions!
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Post by golions03 on Feb 5, 2015 22:53:57 GMT -5
Money!
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Post by golions1444 on Feb 5, 2015 22:54:52 GMT -5
His name is Marin Mornar....and he gets BUCKETS!
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Post by TexasCat on Feb 5, 2015 22:56:10 GMT -5
Wow - I know Money is carrying the scoring load but what a team effort on O and D. These team all of a sudden looks like it has layers of talent. Hopefully we can keep it up for two halves - as well as LMU has been playing they are only up ten.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Feb 5, 2015 23:03:50 GMT -5
How good is this Mornar fellow? Great first half, keep it going Lions. WCC announcers seem to be USD fans but recognize the Lions talent. How much has Okonji's game developed this season? And Moneys? Go Lions - keep up the excellent play!
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Post by LIONS90045 on Feb 5, 2015 23:05:32 GMT -5
Deji still out but Patson getting some minutes. Maybe a full roster for BYU this Saturday?
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