The Broncos have four games left to improve on their 17-10 record and to build momentum for the WCC Tournament. It's been a roller coaster ride so far with this season's performance much like the four weather "seasons." We're hot, we're cold, and at times, we've lost the "spring" in our step along the way.
Signature wins against Gonzaga and humbling losses to San Jose State and San Diego are prime examples of the roller coaster highs and lows. So far only St. Mary's and USF have avoided losses in league to teams they are favored to beat. Most every team has fought through key player injuries, including the Broncos, without starters Adama Bal and Brenton Knapper the last three games. Tonight, St. Mary's will be without 6'8"starter Joshua Jefferson versus USF in Moraga. A big break for the Don's.
Our highly touted depth was severely tested in those three games and responded with stalwart efforts; most notably in the "rumble" loss at USF. Everyone lost their composure, including the officials who applied a non rules based double standard; ejecting six players. Despite all of the chaos and being short handed, we should have won this game. We were a turnover and rebound away in the final seconds.
Our recent wins versus Pacific and, on the road, at San Diego featured step up efforts by Jake Ensminger, Tyree Bryan, Cam Tongue and a breakout performance at USD by Jalen Benjamin with 23 points and sealing the deal; making 10 of 11 free throws. We hope this is the start of Jalen playing to his potential down the stretch. Freshman guard Christian Hammond made two starts after Knapper's injury and showed potential but needs more minutes to settle in and get comfortable.
As a result, we appear to have fourth place in hand, but are two games back of either second or third depending on the outcomes of the road game at Gonzaga and final game at Leavey versus USF. This assumes we don't falter playing away at Portland or at home against LMU; both near the bottom in the WCC. With the four seed, we advance directly into the quarterfinals and most likely play either USD, LMU, or Pepperdine. If we win that game, we play St. Mary's in the semis if they remain the # 1 seed.
The good news is everything is still in play, including a possible post season NIT invite. To have consideration for an NCAA bid, we would have the win the WCC tourney or beat Gonzaga and USF in our final league games. It appears to be a done deal that only two WCC teams will get bids.
With all we've had to play through this season, our full lineup, except perhaps Brenton Knapper, should be ready for the final four games and tourney. Our bench is more battle tested and has played key roles down the stretch. We'll need every player to be at their best.
The roller coaster ride continues this Thursday at Leavey versus LMU. Let's hope we enjoy the ride and finish strong the last four in the WCC!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments and ideas welcome