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Post by LIONS90045 on Nov 23, 2014 22:17:27 GMT -5
University of California Riverside Highlanders
Member Big West Conference
2013-14 Record: 10-21 Conference 5-11
2014-15 Games:Wins: Holy Names (Ex.) 66-49, UC San Diego 75-52, St. Katherine 102-49 Losses: Sacramento State 69-70, #25 Utah 42-88 gohighlanders.com/index.aspx?tab=basketball2&path=mbballRoster/ppg*0 Nick Gruninger G 5-10 160 Sr. Kaysville, UT Davis HS 6.3 1 Jaylen Bland G 6-3 205 Jr. Saginaw, MI Cleveland HS N/A 3 Charles Standifer G 6-5 185 Sr. Sacramento, CA Capital Christian HS N/A 4 Kristopher Acevedo G 6-0 185 Jr. Hemet, CA Hemet HS 0.7 5 Taylor Johns F 6-7 220 Jr. San Francisco, CA Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep 12.0 10 Steven Jones G 6-0 175 Jr. Northridge, CA Taft HS 4.0 12 Robert Boezeman F 6-7 220 Fr. Dordrecht, Netherlands Canarias Basketball Academy N/A 13 Steven Thornton F 6-4 215 Sr. Santa Clarita, CA Golden Valley HS 8.9 15 Brian Wright G 6-3 170 Fr. Carson, CA St. Anthony HS N/A 20 Cheick Thiero F 6-9 225 Jr. Barnako, Mali Arlington Country Day N/A 21 Alex Larsson F 6-9 245 Fr. Södertälje, Sweden Södertälje Knights Club Team N/A 22 Colin Gruber F 6-5 190 Sr. Aptos, CA Harbor HS 1.5 31 Chris Tang G 6-3 190 Fr. Jiangsu, China Canarias Basketball Academy N/A 35 Austin Quick G 6-3 180 Sr. Murrieta, CA Murrieta Valley HS 4.7 *2013-14 season stats Top scorers lost:Chris Patton 13.0 Sam Finley 12.5 Chris Harriel 4.0 “The UC Riverside Men's Basketball Team (1-0) ran off 21 unanswered points early in the second half Saturday afternoon, celebrating a 75-52 season-opening victory over UC San Diego in front of a near-capacity Homecoming crowd at the SRC Arena. The Tritons took on Division I Loyola Marymount in the preseason, nearly knocking off the Lions on their home turf before falling 68-67, so heading into Saturday's game, the Highlanders knew they were in for a fight.” gohighlanders.com/news/2014/11/15/MBB_1115145136.aspx?path=mbballApparently LMU is not the only DI school to discover the Canarias Basketball Academy: the Highlanders have two frosh from there. I hope Hermans isn’t too friendly with them during the game. UC also has freshman 6’9” 245 F Larsson from the Swedish club team. Based of head to head match ups with UCSD, you would have to think the Highlanders would be favored over the Lions. Hopefully, the Lions have honed their game a bit more in the ensuing games and will give UC Riverside all they can handle on Thanksgiving Eve. Based on this year’s stats, look for Taylor Johns (18.5) and Jaylan Bland (17.0), followed by Steven Thornton (9.0), Nick Gruninger (8.5) and Austin Quick (6.5) to lead the Highlanders. Riverside likes to go deep in the bench so look for Robert Boezeman and Chris Standifer to contribute also. Gametime: Wednesday, November 26, 5 pm at Gersten.
Video: LMU Streaming
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Post by slblions08 on Nov 24, 2014 14:16:14 GMT -5
Wait... It's the great Chris Tang? He was hyped to be the next Jeremy Lin at age 15. The words of ESPN not me. Interesting background if you google him. Didn't know he resurfaced at riverside
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Post by LIONS90045 on Nov 25, 2014 22:59:08 GMT -5
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Post by LIONS90045 on Nov 26, 2014 19:59:30 GMT -5
Looks like Evan has worked his way into the starting lineup! Good move coach. Now for Patsin and Matt...
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Post by husky on Nov 26, 2014 23:17:05 GMT -5
Whew!
Sort of an odd night. Starting off we were all thumbs. Even Evan, our only scorer the first minutes, was klutzy (but he was still Evan) Down 12 at about 10 minutes into the game despite a terrific entrance by Hayes hitting a couple of NBA 3 pointers, his first off the glass. Back to near even at half. Then our superior talent began to show and we were up 12. Then we took to holding the ball on the parameter and gazing almost wistfully toward the middle, where absolutely nothing was going on, for seconds on end until either someone forced up a desperation shot or we achieved a 35 second violation. Perhaps it was a very early stalling tactic. It also may be an offensive scheme which is way too sophisticated for me to appreciate. I hope not to see it too often; it is not destine to be a crowd pleaser.
Evan into the 20's again and marvaless game from Hayes. Officiating sucked but that's normal; really called close fouls - they wouldn't make it back East. Stat sheet will reveal more: I expect another relative turnover count (we have been committing 14-15 per game). Hayes really the only 3 point threat tonight. Deji finally got a couple of rolls. The obviously keyed on Patson after his 16 points Sunday - part of the learning process.
We are going to be seriously challenged Saturday. I have a conflict since the Washington- Washington State football game kicks off at 7:30. Not sure how I can resolve it since my wife wants her T-Shirt
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Post by LIONS90045 on Nov 26, 2014 23:33:58 GMT -5
Thanks Husky for your observations - nice to see someone else is around for Thanksgiving week games. I wrote this in parallel with your post and agree the refs sucked but they sucked more than normal in my opinion.
We won but it wasn’t special – in fact, it was a downright mediocre showing for most of the first half. Without Matt Hayes sparking the anemic offense, we could easily have lost this game. Thank you Matt and stay well!
Evan Payne was our only offense for the first 6 points (and almost 10 minutes) but the Highlanders’ team outscored him 13-6. Finally, Siame, off the bench, contributed the next 4 followed by 2 FTs from Payne. With 14+ minutes into the game expired, that was it for the Lions until Matt hit a 3-pointer to bring the Lions to life at 15-25. Two more 3-pointers from Matt highlighted the first half with the Lions down 1 point.
Evan had his love/hate type of game – providing real scoring punch but also forcing some poor shots inside and outside. He finished the game 5-15 and, uncharacteristically, 0-5 from 3-point range. He had Dunlap shaking his head on more than one occasion. Evan made most of his 25 points from the FT line with 15-16 shooting, including converting several technical fouls.
Matt Hayes tossed in 16 much needed points from outside tonight with 3 assists (of our 9 total). He has a sweet high bank jumper from the side of the basket, which he used several times this evening.
Mornar played a great game on defense with 5 blocks (6 if you count one poor foul call near the game end which was all ball) and contributed 9 points. He has good hands, hustles and can score – a mainstay in Dunlap’s lineup.
Humphries is still trying to find his shooting touch and had a tough night. Not sure if it’s Dunlap’s system or the adjustment to D1 ball but I think he will come around in time.
It takes a while for Deji to get his motor running but when he does, look out. He came on strong in the latter parts of the game when we needed more offense including several crowd-pleasing dunks and finished in double digits.
Godwin was our defender under the bucket but fouled out late on questionable calls from the refs. He didn’t score.
Simon was called upon to handle the ball late when we needed shooters who could convert FTs. Herman was used on defense when Godwin and Patson were in foul trouble.
While it may not have effected the final outcome of the game, this was the poorest performance by the referees I have seen for some time. Phantom fouls were called all evening on both sides. Three technical fouls were called, ultimately eliminating Highlander scoring guard Gruninger from the game. Both coaches were scratching their heads with many calls tonight.
All in all, the game was a win but a disappointing performance again. Let’s hope things improve for the offense before we get in the tough part of our schedule. We won’t beat UC Irvine or much less Wichita State with a game like we played this evening.
Go Lions!
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Post by thx4leavinjimlynam on Nov 27, 2014 12:17:40 GMT -5
A few points after five games: I think we have won the games we should win, and lost the games we were expected to lose. I wish we were 5-0, but 3-2 is fine right now.
Payne actually started the San Diego Christian game, as well as UCR. Big block at the end of the game. Seems to be buying into defense more. I also like that Dunlap yanks him for a minute or two during the game, gets him refocused, and sends him back out there.
I thought it was very telling that Dunlap started Hayes to begin the second half...could be a precursor to Saturday.
I believe Dunlap brings Siame off the bench so he doesn't get into early foul trouble...let Godwin bang down low for the first five or six minutes and then bring in Siame. I like the idea.
Herman looks more comfortable with each game. Glad to see him shoot an open three late in the game. It is okay that didn't go in...need to have confidence to shoot.
No pressure, but we need Humphries to get going. He doesn't even look to shoot a lot of the time...we need him to take 10 shots in a game...hopefully get a few to fall, and the confidence will soar.
Mornar has really been impressive. We actually have four bigs that are solid. I think that is an LMU first!
Deji isn't looking to shoot from the perimeter, either, but he was much more aggressive in the second half yesterday.
It will be a fun season. I have been pleasantly surprised by the newcomers, and the veterans are playing solid, experienced basketball.
Flint had 4 steals in 10 minutes yesterday! That is impressive.
Go Lions!
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Post by ironlion on Nov 27, 2014 13:23:10 GMT -5
That was a brutal game to watch....44 fouls. I could see why riverside is projected to finish at bottom of big west - they were pretty bad. The tide turned when their starting guard was tossed- LMU press d lead to some points. I understand its early but I have not been impressed overall with the new recruits. Matt Hayes is the only exception- he is soild. Yesterday 4 new guys combined for 0 points.
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Post by longtimelionfan on Nov 27, 2014 13:56:32 GMT -5
It was a very sloppy game by both teams and even more so by the officials. But, the officials were bad period - it hindered both teams. But a win is big now no matter how sloppy particularly for a program that hasn't had all that many lately.
As for the new players, I too have been somewhat disappointed but on reflection that may be more my issue at least at this part of the season. Because many of them have foreign experience or are JC transfers I expected an easier transition to D1 basketball. That is an unreasonable expectation. Many are adjusting to a new country, new primary language, new school, new coaches, new system and D1 basketball. That is a lot adjusting. Almost all have shown some flashes, albeit brief. And the team as a whole has shown improvement. Even last night overcoming a terrible start and then taking and maintaining control amidst sloppiness. That is learning and development. I think there is reason to believe this team will be much better in conference - a month from now. Although, I anticipate some rough lessons at Stanford and in Hawaii along the way. Let's hope we see more improvement and a competitive game on Saturday night.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Nov 27, 2014 19:55:28 GMT -5
Thx4leavin said “I think we have won the games we should win, and lost the games we were expected to lose.” Read more: lmulions.proboards.com/thread/2483/university-california-riverside-highlanders#ixzz3KJsdIV6FRegarding the teams we lost to: Boise State is 4-1 with its only loss to #3 Wisconsin, and ASU is 3-2 with losses to Maryland and Alabama, both by 5 points. I think Thx is correct but lets hope our future wins are a bit less stressful on the fans. The schedule is getting tougher in the near future.
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Post by ALioninWinter on Nov 28, 2014 4:06:58 GMT -5
After missing last week's tournament games and having to provide my thoughts based strictly on a review of the stat sheets, I actually made it to the UC Riverside game.
here's what I saw.
The Refs - yes, they were obnoxious and over bearing. I totally agree with Dunlap's comment to them when he said, "Come on. You guys are ruining the game." I understand having to keep games under control but at no time did any player ever show any inclination to start a fight. UC Riverside is not very good but they are big enough to be physical, and they play the way a lot of under-skilled, strong guys play -- very physical. But their play was no where egregious enough to warrant the fouls being called. That being said, there were not very many blown calls. Mornar's block late in the game comes to mind but most of the calls were valid, even the ones many Lions fans were complaining about. Still, I don't like to see refs take the game away from the players and that is exactly what happened.
That being said, as a player you learn early in your career (or at least should learn) that it's important early in the game to figure out what the game's refs are calling and not calling, then adjust accordingly. You have to adjust your play to meet the dictates of the refs because they will not adjust their approach. To not adjust is folly. The calls were going both ways. Our guys needed to adjust and they did not.
The Game - the early demeanor was set at the tipoff when Evan stole the ball with a good play and then couldn't connect on two layups. UCR then jumped out to the big early lead because our guys couldn't do anything right. Evan kept us in the game. The only basket he didn't score was Patsons dunk off a very good Evan pass. To the Lion's credit, they hung in there and clawed back into the game. Getting back to within one by halftime was important and impressive. In the second half, UCR was all over Evan. He could do very little except go to the free throw line ... which he did very well. The turning point for UCR was losing their point guard on his second technical. After that, the Lion's built a bit of a lead which they held till the waning moments (more on that later).
Best Player - No doubt about it. Evan is clearly our best player. He was clearly the best player on the court. I suspect there will be a number of games this year where we will be able to say that. He really is a good player. And that block late in the game was ESPN highlights worthy.
The Difference Maker - Evan was the best player but we won the game because of Matt's strong play. He is still learning to play point guard and I thought he did okay with that role. His assertiveness in shooting those 3s though made the difference for us. Guarddad asserted some time ago that Matt has always been a winner. I believe it. Some guys just have that knack and I believe Matt is one of those guys. I'm looking forward to watching him in a Lions uniform.
Point Guard Play - yes, we all miss AI. But I am impressed enough with Matt that I'm very content to think of a backcourt duo of Evan and Matt for the next couple of years. As they play together I think they can attain status as a very formidable backcourt in a conference known for its backcourts. Chase makes a serviceable backup. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes and plays under control. I'm comfortable with the situation if Chase is my backup PG. I was not at all impressed with Simon. In fact, I felt he was the reason we almost lost the game at the end when Dunlap had him running point. He is only a marginal dribbler. He cannot penetrate. I saw no evidence that he can shoot, and his defense is weak. I don't understand why he was running point late in the game, unless Dunlap was simply trying to build his experience and confidence. Okay, so my judgment is based on one game, but he's got a long way to go to convince me he can handle point at this level.
Thoughts on Other Players: Money - yes, his length is good and he put it to good use. He's certainly improved over last year, but he's going to get killed going up against strong, fast forwards. UCR's #5 killed him, and that guy is a long way from some of the forwards the Lions will see this year. Patson - I echo Dunlap's early comments .... "I'm cautiously optimistic.". What a body! And he has some good movement. But it's a good thing he sat out a couple of years because he obviously needed the time to develop his skills. I believe Dunlap's ability to teach is exactly what Patson needs. If he listens and can turn that instruction into on-court skill, we will have a real force to be reckoned with. Deji - He exhibited some good moments and those consecutive break away dunks were just what we needed. But he is not an outside threat, and we desperately need that. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes, which is great. I still maintain his role is a guy who can come off the bench and give our other 2s and 3s some rest. He is also needed when a team with big guards are taking advantage of our small guards, or we are facing a team that doesn't have a big strong guard who can handle him. Godwin - He sure tries hard but he just does not have a head for the game. He never anticipates what is going to happen, and at his position, you simply have to anticipate forthcoming breakdowns in the defense because you are the last line of defense. He has bulked up and is more aggressive with the ball, so his offense isn't quite the adventure it's been in years past, but his ability to contribute is going to be limited, especially when facing teams with good interior players.
Thoughts on Dunlap - For a good portion of the game I watched our guys work really hard at cutting to their assigned spots, catching the ball and making good crisp passes. They were obviously concentrating very hard on that but I was never confident that I saw any greater purpose in all those cuts and passes. I felt like I was watching a well choreographed "dance" or something the Globetrotters might do. I love the cuts and good passes but those moves should have the ultimate purpose of actually making baskets. I felt like a well received pass was an end to itself and the guys too often didn't know what else to do witt the ball except make another well executed pass.
This is the time of year to use the whole roster. Dunlap is doing that, and that is good. But he sure substitutes a lot. I know it takes time once you start playing to get into the rhythm of the game. You can't do that in a minute. I'd like to see guys given longer stretches to show what they can do. Give them a chance to get into the game flow.
I recognize that Evan is the antithesis of the kind of players that Dunlap likes, but I agree with others that you have to let a guy like that go once in awhile. I don't blame him for being frustrated watching all those passes with no movement to the basket. I did see that most of the set scoring plays were to get Evan an open shot. That's great and its what you should do with your best player. I just hope Dunlap finds the right balance between taming and breaking Evan. He's too good to totally restrain.
Dunlap has to develop plays for some outside game. All of our scoring came from Evan, the inside guys and Matt (and Matt's shots were all self-made). Dunlap said this years team would be a better shooting team. I don't know if it is or not. No one has been given much of a chance to prove whether they can shoot. Spiers is supposed to be a shooter. He only played briefly but why not run a play that gives him a screen and a chance for an open shot?
The press is not very impressive. We got one good TO last night but UCR Is a crummy team and that one TO was the only time it really worked.
The New Guys - very disappointing so far ... except for Matt. Hermann has great size but I didn't see him put it to good use once. He should be starting and making real contributions. Where's some aggression and physicality? Humphries hustles but has not produced much. I've already railed about Simon. Spiers barely played but I felt he was out there as an afterthought. No speed and not much sign of any scorers.
Hopes for the Season - We've got a good backcourt. If Patson can develop, he can become a force inside this year. Dunlap needs to develop some plays that allow our outside guys to contribute some points. If those things happen, we can win our share of games and maybe threaten .500 for the year.
Hopes for the Future - its going to depend a lot upon who Dunlap recruits. This years class isn't too impressive. I hope he can find some quality 3s and 4s.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Nov 28, 2014 12:13:10 GMT -5
Herman's play reminds me of the young Alex Osborne It took Alex four seasons plus a redshirt to learn to play strong under the basket so let's hope Herman is a quick learner He has a decent outside shot already but that's not what you reall want from a 6'10" guy
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