[NU Sports] Hoops at the half ...

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

A bit sloppy at the end of the half, but still within reach, down 23-19.

I didn't see the first four games of the year, but I'm really trying to
figure out how the NU team I'm watching tonight lost 3 of its first four
games. Maybe they all had big inside players? Virginia's killing us in the
paint, but that will get better once Thompson is eligible (and he's looking
every bit the physical presence down low that we've lacked since Evan's
years here).

I really love watching our backcourt play ball - Hachad is a scrappy
defender who's fun to watch and Parker looks more in control running the
offense. Our Croatian connection -- Doubte D and Double V -- are solid
all-around players (though VV has to start stepping up into Jitim's
leadership role -- he's too hot/cold off/on and needs to be able to make a
play when we need a bucket).

And I like this Doyle kid a lot too with his all-around hustle play and
doing the little things. And the freshman Lee has looked solid off the
bench ... plus we have Seacat as well.

When the offense is clicking, it's a thing of beauty to watch us snap that
ball all the way around the arc with crisp passes, waiting to find the
defensive breakdown. The Big Ten is tough at the top (man, did Illinois
look awesome tonight ... MSU was right in there at Cameron ... and
Wisconsin's unbeatable at the Kohl Center), but if Thompson shores up our
rebounding and inside defense, I can see this team really coming together
nicely in January and February to make a nice run in March.

Right now. we're playing our tempo at the half. That Elton Brown is looking
like Elton Brand down low for the Cavs, but our transition defense is
keeping the game within reach. It'd be nice to see us pull this one out!

GO CATS!!!
-SjT


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88888b  Y88 *     Stephen J. Truog     * 88888b  Y88
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