Last Saturday the Broncos 103-99 beatdown of Gonzaga in Spokane was the manifestation of the talent this roster has on display at it's best. This was no fluke. It was an in your face drubbing with a second half that saw us go head to head and outplay the Zags in all key areas. The win had the sweet side benefit of knocking the Zags out of the NCAA top 25.
This signature win came two days after a complete meltdown at LMU on the prior Thursday, where we lost by three in one of our worst performances of the season. This team is an enigma, in that when they go off the rails, they seem unable to make adjustments to stay in games against below average opponents. At LMU, we shot 15% on 4-26 from three. Didn't matter, we just kept shooting threes even though Christoph Tilly was dominating the interior.
That's why I say "gimmie five." There are five games coaches, players, and of course fans know we lost; most in the last 5 minutes some with leads of about 5. Think of what a 17-3 record right now would mean if we won four of those five? OK, every WCC team has tough losses, but maybe not on 25% of the games in your current schedule.
Even though we've suffered these losses, we still have an amazing opportunity ahead the next 11 games; 5 of which are against the top WCC teams. By winning those we could finish in the top 2 or three in the WCC AND make a case for post season. Gimmie 5.
What will it take? First, a starting 5 that plays to their potential most nights and when they don't, adjust in real-time to what IS working that night. Bronco fans find it's hard to understand why we just settle for contested threes early in the clock versus look for a better three or mismatch or a good two pointer. Not an issue if it's early in the clock and we have a great look from three by one of our best three point shooters. Sometimes it feels like these contested shots are an audition for scouts rather than what's best for the team. We also have had 89 three point attempts from players averaging 22% from three. These same players average 42% from two and nearly 70% at the free throw line. They can contribute better near the rim versus deep.
Next, the second unit 5 players need to play to their strengths and not just follow the three point shooting mantra. This unit has three very good players around the rim and arguably are better defenders than the starters. Three of those 5 in the second unit are in the top 30 in the WCC in defense versus our highest rated starter who is ranked 35th on defense.
Today we play a good Washington State team at Leavey. They are a ranked # 12 in the NCAA in effective field goal percentage and # 79 in defense. We are ranked # 93 in overall defense but 215+ in 2 point and 3 point shooting rate defense. They have outstanding guards which always presents a problem for us. A big challenge. We must defend and most likely score like we did against the Zags or it could be a long night.
The talent is there with our roster. It all depends on which "5" shows up. Here's hoping for some "high 5's" after a great home win Thursday!
As always, comments welcome. Feel free to chime in!
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