La Tech - 3,2,1
Three Observations
1) For perhaps the first time all year, the Monarchs were outplayed from an energy standpoint. For whatever reason, the team never looked like they were able to muster the energy we are used to seeing them play with. This is a team that must have that energy in order to compete, and without it, they were simply handled from the tip. While offense continues to be a concern, in this writer's opinion, the game was lost on the defensive end. The effort and focus simply weren't there.
2) Especially with Brandan Stith's injury, this is a team that will go as the four sophomores go (BJ, Caver, Talley, and Porter). Porter was saddled with foul trouble early and Caver probably had his worst game of the year. While this team needs Caver to occasionally knock down shots from behind the arc, I'm not sure having him take 8 three-pointers per game is a successful strategy going forward.
3) The Monarchs are not going to win many games when they turn the ball over 15 times. They are simply not efficient enough on offense to give away 15 possessions per game. And, when they do turn it over, it better be of the deadball kind, which at least allows them to set the defense. 20 points off turnovers is a recipe for disaster for this team. Frankly, it's a bit surprising that it was only a 12 point margin in the end.
Two questions
1) Now what? Only one game this week, how will the Monarchs respond? Charlotte is a team of guards with some offensive firepower, but lacks size and doesn't defend well. If the Monarchs want a first round bye in Birmingham, this is the type of game they need to win.
2) When does Brandan come back? There is some hope that he may be practicing by the end of the week, but at point will he be good enough to return, and when he does, at what point will he be back to normal?
One prediction
1) Since Jones has been the coach, the team has always seemed to respond well after tough losses. I expect the Monarchs to be able to find a way to take care of business against the 49ers, with or without Brandan. It won't be easy, but if the Monarchs can rediscover their toughness, I think they will out-tough Charlotte and come away with an important road win.
**Bonus prediction: I predict I will eat more than $5 worth of breakfast tomorrow and that the bacon will not be as crispy as Mac likes it.
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