I think defensively we are in a very good place right now. Kent is not a great shooting team so the key is to keep them off the glass and away from second chance opportunities that hurt Toledo in the loss earlier this season. It also allows us to get out in transition and getting to the other end before Kent can set up their tough man to man defense. On the offensive end, the key is how we deal with their physicality as they like to get teams frustrated with their bumping and grabbing. Poise is going to be huge tonight -- something this team has demonstrated throughout this winning streak. Carry and Jacobs like to get into their opponents heads, we just need to stay focused and play through all that noise. One other addition, no live ball turnovers like last night or as TK calls them "Pick 6s" that lead to layups on the other end. If we do that, we have an excellent chance of winning tonight and getting that long awaited invited tomorrow at 6:30pm!

Get Carry in foul trouble. Go at him! He has averaged 40 miniutes a game their last 3 games so hopefully he will be reaching and grabbing more and moving feet less.

Keys to a win;

1) They need to get JT going early.
2) Moss, or whatever combination they use against Carry needs to be in his face.
3) They need to take care of the ball (turnovers)
4) Block out so they get some boards
5) Watch the passing lanes. Make crisp passes - no lazy stuff like last night
6) They will have to shoot well
7) Speed the game up - don't get into a half court battle
8) Stay out of foul trouble
9) You can call this 8a maybe - no technical fouls like last time
10) Just win Baby!

Against teams that overplay the passing lanes and try to deny passes you have to make them pay. Instead of the extra pass that can lead to a turnover, you select your one-on-one match-ups wisely and take it to the hoop more. Look for more back doors. Dennis is becoming a master at getting optimum match- ups by forcing a switch and by knowing when to drive instead of pass.

(03-11-2023 01:34 PM)UTfanBGalum Wrote:  Get Carry in foul trouble. Go at him! He has averaged 40 miniutes a game their last 3 games so hopefully he will be reaching and grabbing more and moving feet less.

He's average 39.33 over their last 6 games!

Good bench play. Edu keeps it going. Lorentsson finds his stroke and knocks down a couple jumpers. Farmer continues to be efficient and active.

Dennis finds his midrange jumper/floater.

Defense makes them earn points and do the Kent one on one thing. They will make some plays, just limit easy ones.

Rebound. Don't let Thomas dominate.

Pace. Lots of possessions, may the best offense win. Force Kent to outshoot us on tired legs with a lesser offensive scheme.

JT has to find his legs on offense, shoot the 2 instead of the 3. I feel for the guy when he is on D, to be called for nip picking fouls.

Kent State likes to be cocky and intimidating … The Rockets need to go toe to toe with them except on a higher level !!
Getting production off the bench ( not just Farmer ) would go a long way in winning tonight !!

OT: SJJ up four 4th Q against heavily favored Garfield Hts. Game is at Kent St.

OT: SJJ up 14. 2 minutes for a trip to states.

OT: next stop, Dayton against a familiar Toledo foe, Akron Hoban. Congrats Johnnies! Two more!

(03-11-2023 03:20 PM)eastisbest Wrote:  OT: next stop, Dayton against a familiar Toledo foe, Akron Hoban. Congrats Johnnies! Two more!

TK's son Race is a freshman on the St. John's team

(03-11-2023 03:45 PM)RocketBBallFan Wrote:  

(03-11-2023 03:20 PM)eastisbest Wrote:  OT: next stop, Dayton against a familiar Toledo foe, Akron Hoban. Congrats Johnnies! Two more!

TK's son Race is a freshman on the St. John's team

I was thinking he might come in when benches were cleared but he didn't make it.

(03-11-2023 02:43 PM)FMRocket Wrote:  Kent State likes to be cocky and intimidating … The Rockets need to go toe to toe with them except on a higher level !!
Getting production off the bench ( not just Farmer ) would go a long way in winning tonight !!

They do, and I think these guys are up to that.

Game thread anyone - this is for all the marbles and we are pumped.

Adding: I hope the feed isn't 10 minutes or so late.