Jason Riley for the 3 ...Boom !
Great team FT shooting. Big win in Nashville.
Go Bucs !


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great win!

Awesome win. Absolutely critical for position in the conference. Shooting 61% for the game seems we should have won going away but I will certainly take it!

Depending on the outcomes of UNF and USC Upstate's games tonight we could be out in 3rd place going into the last stretch of the season.

I have to say I've been very impressed with our free-throw shooting this year, no question it has won us a few games that we might not have won otherwise. I heard the commentators mention that we lead the A-Sun in free throw percentage. For as long as I've followed ETSU I don't think we've ever lead the conference in free throw shooting. Whatever Bartow has done, to improve this normally weak aspect of our game, I hope he keeps doing it.

We currently have 3 80+% free-throw shooters, Riley, Rembert and Wilson.

(02-08-2014 07:43 PM)Bucster Wrote:  I have to say I've been very impressed with our free-throw shooting this year, no question it has won us a few games that we might not have won otherwise. I heard the commentators mention that we lead the A-Sun in free throw percentage. For as long as I've followed ETSU I don't think we've ever lead the conference in free throw shooting. Whatever Bartow has done, to improve this normally weak aspect of our game, I hope he keeps doing it.

We currently have 3 80+% free-throw shooters, Riley, Rembert and Wilson.

I heard that too and was caught of guard. I thought Mercer still lead FT shooting. ETSU is 73.3% and Mercer 72.8%. Congrats on the big win and moving to 7-5. In a great position for a 1st round home game.

(02-08-2014 07:43 PM)Bucster Wrote:  I have to say I've been very impressed with our free-throw shooting this year, no question it has won us a few games that we might not have won otherwise. I heard the commentators mention that we lead the A-Sun in free throw percentage. For as long as I've followed ETSU I don't think we've ever lead the conference in free throw shooting. Whatever Bartow has done, to improve this normally weak aspect of our game, I hope he keeps doing it.

We currently have 3 80+% free-throw shooters, Riley, Rembert and Wilson.

Why this is so astounding is because ETSU's Bartow teams have traditionally struggled shooting free throws. My it makes a difference when you can knock those things down. Has anyone asked Bartow what's going on here?

We got tremendous guard play tonight: Jalen, Rashawn, and AJ accounted for 63 pts., 13 rebounds, 6 asssists, and 4 steals.

If we're going to make a run at this thing, we must get more frontcourt production.

(02-08-2014 08:06 PM)Mister Jennings Wrote:  

(02-08-2014 07:43 PM)Bucster Wrote:  I have to say I've been very impressed with our free-throw shooting this year, no question it has won us a few games that we might not have won otherwise. I heard the commentators mention that we lead the A-Sun in free throw percentage. For as long as I've followed ETSU I don't think we've ever lead the conference in free throw shooting. Whatever Bartow has done, to improve this normally weak aspect of our game, I hope he keeps doing it.

We currently have 3 80+% free-throw shooters, Riley, Rembert and Wilson.

Why this is so astounding is because ETSU's Bartow teams have traditionally struggled shooting free throws. My it makes a difference when you can knock those things down. Has anyone asked Bartow what's going on here?

The single biggest reason for our improved FT % is we have 2 great FT shooters (Rembert and Riley) and both of them generally shoot 6 to 8 FT per game. When your best shooters take most of the shots, your percentage will be good.

Interview with Casey Alexander and some Lipscomb-centric highlights:
http://vimeo.com/86211858

ETSU shot 47% from three point land. Why was this game even close?

Sick game for Jalen Riley – this kid has swagger and a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Coming into the season he was headstrong and erratic. He could score – but he also made daring, and frequently questionable, decisions. His shooting percentage was low and his turnovers high. Early on I noted that when Jalen came into the game either the Bucs would make a run… or the opposition would. But the last 6 games, culminating in tonight, have seen a big change. Jalen has harnessed that ability with much, much better decision making. He has become efficient and effective. Tonight he sliced up the comparatively ponderous 6’5” 220 guys from Lipscomb, making them look slow and unathletic. 30 points on 7-10 shooting, 4-5 from 3 and 12-12 from the line, with a couple of rebounds tossed in. Good lord, what a night. The last 6 games have been all conference - an average of 16.3 points on 51% from the field; 52% from 3, and 94% (!!!) from the line, with 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists and only 1.5 turnovers. At about 5’10” and 150 he has been one heck of a player.

Solid game from KGG – another fellow with consistency problems. But not tonight: 16 points on 5-5 from the field and 6 – 10 from the line, with 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 turnovers offset by 3 assists. I’ll take that any night.

Lester Wilson continued his transformation into a solid, productive player, a key part of the rotation even when his beloved 3’s aren’t falling: 13 points on 6-12 from the field and 1-1 from the line, despite whiffing (0-3) from beyond the arc. And he snatched 7 big boy rebounds on a night when Hunter had a melt down and was completely ineffective. The rebounds from Lester and KGG and A.J. were critical down the stretch. Last 5 games have been almost as good as Jalen: 13.6 points on 50% from the field, 40% from 3 and 100% (12-12) from the freethrow line, with a manly 4.6 rebounds. He has boosted his role on the team from a 15 minute per game afterthought, to a 25 minute key part of the rotation. And credit to Murry for calling plays (or perhaps, for allowing the players to create them) that rely on Lester’s powerful midrange jumpers. He can muscle most defenders where he wants them to go, and then elevate for a consistent 10-12 footer. Finally… finally… Lester seems to have shaken the sophomore doldrums, and found confidence in a productive, hustling role. Even when the 3’s won’t drop.

Some praise to Lukas… with Hunter benched in foul trouble, 4 rebounds and a block in 11 minutes were huge. Lukas used his size advantage well.
Some raspberries for Murry. What the heck was Hunter doing in the game in the first half to pick up his 3rd foul when the Bucs had built a 10 point lead without him? Casey Alexander shuffled his roster to protect 4 guys from picking up their 3rd foul in the first half. And Murry couldn’t protect Hunter??? Please….

Rashawn Rembert – he’s not just a terrific long range shooter. The 1-3-1 finally put a damper on the 3’s from Lipscomb (after 1 ½ games). And at the top of the 1-3-1, in Zakee Wadood’s old position, harassing the 3 point shooters, was Rashawn Rembert. He has become a really complete player, defending well, slashing well to the hoop, getting some rebounds and assists and awesome from the free throw line: 21 “quiet” points on 4-9 from the field, 2-6 from 3, 11-12 (!!) from the line, 3 rebounds, 3 assists , 2 turnovers and a steal. Just another ho-hum day at the office for Rashawn.

A.J. Merriweather: after a bit of a slump, he seems to have kicked his game back into gear the last 3 games: 9.7 rebounds (!!), 11.7 points on 61% from the field, 1-2 from 3, and 12-14 (86%) from the line, to go with 1.7 steals. He repeatedly pushed the ball up the court hard, creating transition opportunities for the Bucs tonight. He can slash to the hoop or pop a judicious 3. And, damn, he can hit free throws. Despite Josh Williams, Brian Pegg and Dallas Moore, this kid is my ASun freshman of the year.

Downsides: Hunter Harris has got to control his emotions and avoid dumb fouls. If we are to have any chance against Mercer, FGCU and USCU with their big front lines, he’s got to be productive and smart. Petey McClain actually wasn’t bad when he was in – 4 assists and 1 turnover in only 12 minutes. But he got eclipsed by Jalen. He’s got to seize his role and play to his strengths – push the ball up hard every time, attack the rim and defend like a mad man.

If we can knock off USCU in the Dome, then we will really be on a roll.

Sweet trip to Nashville for ETSU. Basketball beats Lipscomb. Softball destroys Belmont 9-2.

(02-08-2014 08:09 PM)Bucfaithful Wrote:  We got tremendous guard play tonight: Jalen, Rashawn, and AJ accounted for 63 pts., 13 rebounds, 6 asssists, and 4 steals.

If we're going to make a run at this thing, we must get more frontcourt production.

Oh, how we miss John Walton.

Lester, KGG and A.J. have got to give us big boy minutes under the basket, despite their lack of size.

And Lukas - he's got to give us as much as possible. It was enough tonight - maybe not on other nights.

(02-08-2014 08:31 PM)Meanmike0001 Wrote:  

(02-08-2014 08:06 PM)Mister Jennings Wrote:  

(02-08-2014 07:43 PM)Bucster Wrote:  I have to say I've been very impressed with our free-throw shooting this year, no question it has won us a few games that we might not have won otherwise. I heard the commentators mention that we lead the A-Sun in free throw percentage. For as long as I've followed ETSU I don't think we've ever lead the conference in free throw shooting. Whatever Bartow has done, to improve this normally weak aspect of our game, I hope he keeps doing it.

We currently have 3 80+% free-throw shooters, Riley, Rembert and Wilson.

Why this is so astounding is because ETSU's Bartow teams have traditionally struggled shooting free throws. My it makes a difference when you can knock those things down. Has anyone asked Bartow what's going on here?

The single biggest reason for our improved FT % is we have 2 great FT shooters (Rembert and Riley) and both of them generally shoot 6 to 8 FT per game. When your best shooters take most of the shots, your percentage will be good.

They've led the way, but it's gotten to be much more than 2 guys, though. Lester Wilson is 100% (12-12) in the last 5 games. A.J. Merriweather is 85% (17-20).

The numbers are crazy good. And rare for the Bucs.

(02-08-2014 10:21 PM)swvabucsfan Wrote:  Sick game for Jalen Riley – this kid has swagger and a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Coming into the season he was headstrong and erratic. He could score – but he also made daring, and frequently questionable, decisions. His shooting percentage was low and his turnovers high. Early on I noted that when Jalen came into the game either the Bucs would make a run… or the opposition would. But the last 6 games, culminating in tonight, have seen a big change. Jalen has harnessed that ability with much, much better decision making. He has become efficient and effective. Tonight he sliced up the comparatively ponderous 6’5” 220 guys from Lipscomb, making them look slow and unathletic. 30 points on 7-10 shooting, 4-5 from 3 and 12-12 from the line, with a couple of rebounds tossed in. Good lord, what a night. The last 6 games have been all conference - an average of 16.3 points on 51% from the field; 52% from 3, and 94% (!!!) from the line, with 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists and only 1.5 turnovers. At about 5’10” and 150 he has been one heck of a player.

Solid game from KGG – another fellow with consistency problems. But not tonight: 16 points on 5-5 from the field and 6 – 10 from the line, with 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 turnovers offset by 3 assists. I’ll take that any night.

Lester Wilson continued his transformation into a solid, productive player, a key part of the rotation even when his beloved 3’s aren’t falling: 13 points on 6-12 from the field and 1-1 from the line, despite whiffing (0-3) from beyond the arc. And he snatched 7 big boy rebounds on a night when Hunter had a melt down and was completely ineffective. The rebounds from Lester and KGG and A.J. were critical down the stretch. Last 5 games have been almost as good as Jalen: 13.6 points on 50% from the field, 40% from 3 and 100% (12-12) from the freethrow line, with a manly 4.6 rebounds. He has boosted his role on the team from a 15 minute per game afterthought, to a 25 minute key part of the rotation. And credit to Murry for calling plays (or perhaps, for allowing the players to create them) that rely on Lester’s powerful midrange jumpers. He can muscle most defenders where he wants them to go, and then elevate for a consistent 10-12 footer. Finally… finally… Lester seems to have shaken the sophomore doldrums, and found confidence in a productive, hustling role. Even when the 3’s won’t drop.

Some praise to Lukas… with Hunter benched in foul trouble, 4 rebounds and a block in 11 minutes were huge. Lukas used his size advantage well.
Some raspberries for Murry. What the heck was Hunter doing in the game in the first half to pick up his 3rd foul when the Bucs had built a 10 point lead without him? Casey Alexander shuffled his roster to protect 4 guys from picking up their 3rd foul in the first half. And Murry couldn’t protect Hunter??? Please….

Rashawn Rembert – he’s not just a terrific long range shooter. The 1-3-1 finally put a damper on the 3’s from Lipscomb (after 1 ½ games). And at the top of the 1-3-1, in Zakee Wadood’s old position, harassing the 3 point shooters, was Rashawn Rembert. He has become a really complete player, defending well, slashing well to the hoop, getting some rebounds and assists and awesome from the free throw line: 21 “quiet” points on 4-9 from the field, 2-6 from 3, 11-12 (!!) from the line, 3 rebounds, 3 assists , 2 turnovers and a steal. Just another ho-hum day at the office for Rashawn.

A.J. Merriweather: after a bit of a slump, he seems to have kicked his game back into gear the last 3 games: 9.7 rebounds (!!), 11.7 points on 61% from the field, 1-2 from 3, and 12-14 (86%) from the line, to go with 1.7 steals. He repeatedly pushed the ball up the court hard, creating transition opportunities for the Bucs tonight. He can slash to the hoop or pop a judicious 3. And, damn, he can hit free throws. Despite Josh Williams, Brian Pegg and Dallas Moore, this kid is my ASun freshman of the year.

Downsides: Hunter Harris has got to control his emotions and avoid dumb fouls. If we are to have any chance against Mercer, FGCU and USCU with their big front lines, he’s got to be productive and smart. Petey McClain actually wasn’t bad when he was in – 4 assists and 1 turnover in only 12 minutes. But he got eclipsed by Jalen. He’s got to seize his role and play to his strengths – push the ball up hard every time, attack the rim and defend like a mad man.

If we can knock off USCU in the Dome, then we will really be on a roll.

Damn swvabucsfan this is some seriously good stuff. I'm going to ask ETSUfan1 to give you a stipend.

http://johnsoncitypress.com/article/1145...p-lipscomb

As for Riley, a 6-foot, 150-pounder, Alexander said, “He played with great confidence. He felt like he could drive it whenever he wanted. You have to give him credit.”

I hesitate to look past any further than Monday's game, but I've already begun peeking (just a little) to next year's squad. With Jalen, Rashawn, AJ, and Lester, we have some key pieces. Behind the scenes, I'm hearing from inside sources that expectations soar for Maurice O'Field.

It's bizzaro world from the line this year for ETSU. We are 19th in the country in free throws made and 36th in free throw percentage.

WJHL Highlights:

http://www.wjhl.com/story/24672766/riley...fest-96-88