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(03-12-2018 10:22 AM)Bruce Monnin Wrote:  

(03-12-2018 09:48 AM)TubaCat Wrote:  Jacob Evans disappeared like a fart in the wind in the second half, missing a number of open shots and most of his freethrows. Perhaps he was tired? I mean, he played a complete 40 minutes. Regardless, we persevered and won. I was thrilled to be in attendance at our first conference tournament title in so many years.

We really need Evans to show up in the NCAA tournament, though.

I was really upset with Evans in the second half, and wondered why Mick left him in. Then I started watching him closely on defense, and no matter how bad Evans was on offense, his second half defense was stellar.

He's the best wing defender we've had here that I can remember and we've had some great ones. I think he's better than Imac and Pete Mickael on that end. Imac was probably a better 1 on 1 defender, but Evans is close. What sets Evans apart is he is also an incredible help defender. We play great team defense, but when rotations break down Evans and Gary really allow us to clean up our mistakes with great help defense.

(03-12-2018 09:52 AM)OKIcat Wrote:  

(03-12-2018 09:18 AM)skyblade Wrote:  Every second half foul on Cumberland was at best questionable and at worst terrible. He also took an elbow to the face that the refs didn't review, but could have been a flagrant 1.

Evans looked good in the first half shooting mid-range jumpers and following misses. Second half Evans caouldn't get anything to fall, not even FT's.

Second half our defensive rebounding was not very good.

Our D wasn't that much better in the 2nd half (though it was excellent), Houston just stopped hitting tough shots.

Refs seemed to be on Houston's side in the 2nd half.

Good analysis. That game was definitely a case of liking the sausage better than enjoying watching it being made. The euphoria for players, coaches and fans was in part because the program took a big step up; breaking through a glass ceiling to win a conference championship tournament.

I think being challenged--and behind in all three games this past weekend, really strengthened this team's resolve to win at all costs. Tournament games by their very nature are boxing matches. Georgia State will throw some early punches with mind numbing 3's or other unlikely plays. UC will weather the storm.

If your a UC fan you have to enjoy these types of games. It was an excellent win and we've had a great season even if we flame out in the NCAA tournament. To me there are three major achievements to be had in any given season: #1 regular season conference title, #2 NCAA tournament success and #3 conference tournament title. We've acheived 2 out of the 3 and in good shape to go for the third.

I agree that the tournament games (and @WSU game) should help us in the NCAA tournament. SMU and Memphis taught UC that they can't expect an inferior team to roll over and play dead. Houston and WSU showed that we can beat anyone anywhere as long as we bring the intensity.

If Evans can get back to his regular season form we should be in good shape. If he'd hit threes and FT's he usually makes vs WSU and Houston we would have won each game by 5-10 more points. I love that Evans still brings the defensive intensity even when he is struggling on offense, but we need him to get back his shot back.