With much of their pre-Big 10 season complete, I would like to grade the Cats on that progress.
| DEFENSE |
B |
| INTERIOR DEFENSE |
D |
| TURNOVERS |
C- |
| REBOUNDING |
D- |
| OFFENSE |
B+ |
| THREE-POINT SHOOTING |
A |
| TEAM SPEED |
A |
| LAST SECOND SHOTS |
A+ |
Tonight’s game had all the excitement you would want and more.Both teams
looked like they had the week off.They played a sloppy first 5 minutes
with neither team able to take advantage of the others mistakes.
The Cats then scored on three straight three-point shots to take an
eight point lead they never gave up for the rest of the half.This was in
spite of Davor Duvancic picking up his second foul with over 12
minutes remaining in the half.Vince Scott came in and played a very
respectable 9 minutes.
The offense didn’t miss a beat during this time.Ivan Tolic even
came in for a few minutes in each half.He looked very ragged but was a
needed large body in the second half.
The second half opened up with NU making three straight lay-ups to take
a 14 point lead.The offense up to this point was running well.The Cats
were able to run the fast break off steals and rebounds to make some easy
baskets.
Unfortunately, the Sun Devils started to drive to the basket and get
some easy shots.Sophomore pre-season AP All-American
Ike Diogu played
like an all-American.He was a power in the lane. He had 14 rebounds including
7 offensive rebounds, many of which led to easy second-chance baskets.He
even hit a three-pointer with a couple of minutes to go to tie the game.NU
had no answer to him.
Fortunately, the Wildcats have TJ Parker.With 4.6 seconds to
go in a tie game, TJ drove the length of the court and shot a leaner from
the free throw line at the buzzer to win the game.
The whole team mobbed him. They looked like a rugby scrum.This win should
go a long way in building up the team’s confidence.
They played well all game.ASU was able to come back in the second
half by playing into NU’s weaknesses.Low post defense will be a continuing
weakness until Ivan Tolic can play more than 2 or 3 minutes at a
stretch.
Still, count this game as another step in the right direction for the
Cats.They need a few more like this before the Big Ten season starts.They
also need the crowds the Big Ten games will bring.
It is hard to get excited by a half-empty arena.Come on down and see
a game!!The Wildcats are worth the price.This will not be the last game
to be decided by a last second shot this year.
The excitement has just begun!!
Michael Jackson
is a Wildcat Fan
who can be found cheering for his team
from under the basket.
You
can send your comments or "back door" information
to
Coach Roy
Go
Cats
Beat 'em
All! |
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