[NU Sports] FSU--CATS WIN!!!

Thu Dec 4 11:05:50 CST 2008

Right.  Florida State did not look like a very good team last night.
However, they were 7-0 coming in, including wins over 6-1 Cal and 5-1
Cincinnati (the one loss in each case being to FSU).  So any way you slice
it, it was great for the 'Cats to pick up this win.

This was the first NU game I had watched start-to-finish this season.  Based
only on that limited evaluation and having read the box scores for several
other games, I think we will have problems with inconsistency throughout
year.  The first half of the FSU game was extremely painful to watch (I
almost did stop watching, even though the game was close), while the second
half was a blast to watch.

Throughout the game, though, I was pulling my hair out over the missed free
throws--really, I can't see an excuse for any team to shoot under 70-75% at
the line.  (Note Iowa's two point loss coming after the failure to hit the
front end of a one-and-one with less than half a second left in regulation
as another example.)  It baffles me how this could not be an important focus
for teams, particularly our team, where our style of play necessitates us
getting every last point we can.  At one point, we were 6-11 on threes and
6-12 on the free throw line.  That weakness is going to cost us some games
we should win this year, I fear.  I recognize that it is easy for me to say
that since I'm not the one shooting in front of thousands of people in the
stress of a game situation, but I still stand by the point.

I also was frustrated with poor shot selection--a guard or small forward
trying to put up a shot in the post while surrounded by two or three taller
guys, unsurprisingly resulting in a block or jump ball (I can't remember how
many times that happened) or a quick one-and-out in transition when we
really should have taken the time to set up the offense.

It does look like we have at least a little more athletic team this year,
though, so that's nice to see, and while some of the talent is unpolished,
it is nice to have more of an inside presence with some big guys to take up
space in the lane.

I would be very surprised if we win 20 games this year, but at least the
games should be more fun to watch than last year (that is, if we don't play
like we did in the first half last night).

-Joe

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com] On
Behalf Of Abrahamson, Alan (NBC Universal)
Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 11:17 PM
To: John Labbe; Hakirsch at aol.com
Cc: nwu-sports at tssi.com
Subject: RE: [NU Sports] FSU--CATS WIN!!!

Fla State had been undefeated before this game, now 7-1.
 Wildcats improve to 5-1.
 Professional opinion: Kevin Coble and Craig Moore can play. Question is
whether the three other guys on the court with them at any given time
are enough to take this team to 20 wins. I am yet to be convinced. I
watched this game in its entirety as well as the UC Riverside game
Monday night. The game Monday night was ugly and difficult to watch. So
was the first half tonight. The Wildcats played a decent-enough second
half against the Seminoles. But I have yet to see that certain something
that would make me go, wow, this is going to be a season to remember. 
 At least not yet.
 Though I would dearly love to be convinced otherwise.

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com]
On Behalf Of John Labbe
Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 9:04 PM
To: Hakirsch at aol.com
Cc: nwu-sports at tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] FSU--CATS WIN!!!

I know someone will probably report that FSU isn't good this year or
whatever, but I watched the game and the Cats put on a clinic throughout
the second half.  At one point they were on a 20-2 run, and there was
nothing boring about their style of play.  Lots of forced turnovers,
fast breaks, great plays, sharp passes, three pointers, good defense.
After that run, the game was never in doubt.  I think  
FSU pulled within 7 at one point, but that only lasted 1 possession.   
Nice to have a good showing for this nationally televised game.

Now let's keep it up against DePaul this weekend.

On Dec 3, 2008, at 10:54 PM, Hakirsch at aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 12/3/2008 8:54:05 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
> Hakirsch
> writes:
>
>> Does anyone follow ACC hoops?  How is FSU supposed to be this year?
>>
>> I didnt see the game , but winning by 14 points against a Div 1 
>> school from a  top conference school is always worth something
>>
>> Harry
>>
>
>
>
>
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