Sheldon had a nice game, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 points, and just 1 TO.

Western Illinois shot as poorly as a team can shoot in the first half, missing at least 5-6 layups. That said, we're in the zone defensively. Dixon, Thornton, and Tarpey give us three defenders that can guard almost anyone, and leaves us significantly less vulnerable to screens than in the past. Dixon has picked up where he left off at the end of last year on the offensive end of the court, and is a legitimate 3rd option in the offense. When Whitman is on the floor for Sheldon, we have 5 guys that can score.

Schlotman played his best game I've seen this year. He really does look the part of a guard the way that he sees the floor in the offense. As he gets familiar with where everybody will be, he's going to be a big asset. The only thing keeping him off the floor is the talent of the guys in front of him, but being able to have him come off the bench is a huge advantage for us.

The last two home games for us have the added benefit of significant floor time for the second team. It may not matter this year if we stay healthy, but the minutes Tot, Malinowski, and Burchfield are getting now will help them and us long term. Almost any other year, Tot would be in our regular rotation, but there's too many guys with too much talent in front of him this year.

Young team improving by leaps and bounds...They continue to work hard and they have the opportunity for a special year...Marcus and Omar can go off at a different level on any given night, but the incredible balance on this team leaves that in the pocket for when needed. The strength top to bottom has got to be paying major dividends in practice competitiveness and pushing each other to continue to get better. Unique in the history of Tribe basketball. As good a first half defensively last night as the Hall has ever seen. Hallelujah!!

As a side note, it is very difficult to effectively change your shooting form. Watching Terry Tarpey in warm-ups this year, his shooting form is pure gold fundamentally. Finally got a glimpse in game last night which will make this team even more dangerous.

Very good measuring stick with Wofford on Saturday to see where we are.

The team has been sharing the ball well and playing lights-out defense. I love it.

Now they have a great opportunity to make a statement on Saturday.

A win Saturday would be huge. The team has had a few games to work out wrinkles and gain confidence. Don't eat too much tomorrow, get a good night's sleep Friday and come to the game fired up Saturday.

This game is winnable, but in no way a sure thing. GO TRIBE!