[NU Sports] Beating the Illini never gets old

[Beamsley, Jeff]

Willie,

Good analysis.

The Iowa game should tell whether this was just another peak performance
similar to MSU or indication that this team has finally turned the
corner and understands what they have to do to win.

Couple of key stats jump out from the box score of the Ill-whiny game.

We won the rebound category 24-22 even though Shurna played center for a
chunk of the game.  Every NU starter had at least one rebound.  Because
we don't have the coveted "big" man, the whole team has to crash the
boards.  When they do, good things happen.

We also won the turnover/steal category with 5 steals and 10 turnovers
compared with 2 ill-whiny steals and 12 turnovers.  This shows some
growth by Sobo in handling the full court press.  Also, Shurna playing
at the top of the zone really bothered Ill-noise.

Finally, even though Meyers was 10-12 from the floor, I thought we
played particularly good D on their big guy.  At times it looked like he
could have dominated this game, but our guys did a good job of denying
the entry pass, collapsing on him when he did get the ball, limiting him
to only 3 offensive rebounds, forcing three turnovers, and generally
frustrating him throughout the game. 

Jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com]
On Behalf Of Weinbaum, Willie
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 11:21 PM
To: 'nwu-sports at tssi.com'
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] Beating the Illini never gets old

Re: "Such a shame this team took so long to show up"

Assuming I'm properly understanding the comment's implications...here's
an opposing view...

>From what I've seen, these kids are beyond reproach as far as showing up
and working very hard.  Rarely has it appeared that they were lacking in
effort (I recall the game against Minnesota as one where it looked as
though they were outhustled for a stretch).  Yes, sometimes their
performance isn't up to their potential.  Yes, they've missed shots and
lost games (four tight ones and four routs), but they DO show up and try
their best to represent NU with great heart and passion.  That's part of
why games like today's are so gratifying - - they're rewards for these
kids for all that they put into them.  They played a helluva game today
- - executing beautifully - - even though they were shorthanded again
(two key subs out with injuries).   I have no idea how things will play
out - - the Cats could falter, as they did after the big win against
MSU, or they could thrive after experiencing this important victory.
But I'll be surprised if their effort is less than full and if they
justify accusations of them not showing up.  It's easy to root for kids
who bounce back and persist and whose care and commitment seem genuine
and unshakable, regardless of adversity.  I think NU alums can really
identify with those attributes.

If the comment just meant that it's a shame the team didn't click
earlier as it did today, maybe they're just a late-blossoming team and
the best is ahead. :)

----- Original Message -----
From: bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com [mailto:bwdolphin146 at yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 10:11 PM
To: nwu-sports at tssi.com <nwu-sports at tssi.com>
Subject: [NU Sports] Beating the Illini never gets old

And I couldn't agree more with Scott: my favorite team to beat is in
Champaign!!

Such a shame this team took so long to show up. Sigh.

Brad Wilson
Sent on the Sprint(r) Now Network from my BlackBerry(r)
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