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South Point Classic, Las Vegas


GJGood

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I have said it before that this team will win when it shoot better than 40% from the 3 line. In this game we shot 47% from the 3 line. Further, our best 3 ball shooter, Reggie, did not score. I cannot remember a game when we had 6 players score in double figures. The box score is weird in that if you exclude Big Dog and Pat, the other players on the team only took 8 shots that were not 3 balls. I remember Kwan hitting the side of the backboard on a two point basket but cannot remember anyone other than our centers taking a shot inside the 3 point line.

Basically, we have pivot players and three ball shooters. Robotham was 4 of 5 from the three line. Maybe we can schedule more games in Vegas? I hope we can stay hot from the 3 line or we are going to be in trouble on Wed. KD indicated that our inside game set up our outside game. No doubt that works if you are hitting the 3 ball. We are definitely shooting the 3 ball better this year than last year.

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I have said it before that this team will win when it shoot better than 40% from the 3 line. In this game we shot 47% from the 3 line. Further, our best 3 ball shooter, Reggie, did not score. I cannot remember a game when we had 6 players score in double figures. The box score is weird in that if you exclude Big Dog and Pat, the other players on the team only took 8 shots that were not 3 balls. I remember Kwan hitting the side of the backboard on a two point basket but cannot remember anyone other than our centers taking a shot inside the 3 point line.

Basically, we have pivot players and three ball shooters. Robotham was 4 of 5 from the three line. Maybe we can schedule more games in Vegas? I hope we can stay hot from the 3 line or we are going to be in trouble on Wed. KD indicated that our inside game set up our outside game. No doubt that works if you are hitting the 3 ball. We are definitely shooting the 3 ball better this year than last year.

That's the team in a nutshell, and the reason it works is because both Big Dog and Pat are good passers and they have both improved at feeling when the double team is coming and kicking it out to the open man on the perimeter (which is why the team is better at shooting the three this year).

They are figuring this offense and have become very proficient. Evey set should consist of going to either Pat or Big Dog in the post and let them be the decision makers. If the double comes, kick to the open guy. If the double doesn't come, make a post move and get a high-percentage shot down low. We saw that today.

We'll see how they play against a solid Iona team. That game will be a nice measuring stick to how league play may turn out (Iona is probably an upper tier MAC level team ... KenPom has them at 88, which would be No. 2 behind Akron). But if the Zips play the type of game they did today, it should result in another W.

Now for a critique, the one thing that is gonna stop this team from really making the next step to being aa legit top 30-40 team is the lack of athleticism at the guard play. While the guards are probably the most athletic in the KD era, they are still having trouble staying in front of the opposing guards defensively. Offensively, outside of Antino in the Arkansas game, they haven't created much going to the basket. Not sure if that can change this year, which caps the upside of this team. But they play good enough team defense and have good enough shooters where they should win the MAC and have a decent shot at winning a game, maybe two, in the tourney if they continue to play to their strength, like they did today.

While UCSB is hardly great (probably about Arkansas level, or mid tier MAC level) a double digit win on a neutral court is still something that should give them a boost of confidence heading into Wednesday and then into MAC play.

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:)Is the heat in the arena any worse than it is in the JAR? Even in the middle of winter, I find relief going back out into the cold after one of our home basketball games.

The temperature in this arena is actually comfortable. I agree with you about the JAR. Even after dropping 80 pounds recently, I find the temperature in the JAR uncomfortably warm and enjoy the refreshing walk back to the parking deck after games. Minor issue, however; Zips sports are treating us well IMHO. Happy to see so many Zips fans here in Vegas.

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With no TV deal and such low attendance numbers, I wonder how this tournament is funded? Perhaps the teams participating absorb the cost?

South Point funds the tournament. Coming here is a great value for the fans. My spacious room is only $50 a night, the airfare was only $277 for a non-stop round trip flight and best of all, cocktails (including top shelf) are only $2!

Edited by Hilltopper
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Iona is favored? You guys in Vegas better bet the house on this one!

I did just that but here is the kicker. It is very rare to see them put up a line on a team, that has yet to play their first game , for their game on the next day. Not saying the Zips -4' is a steal but it's damn close.

Edited by The Hip Zip
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With Pat out, we are short on Big Guys. The last 2 minutes we played without a center. Kwan is not a center and he is overmatched underneath and is picking up fouls. I think we have Big Dog, Kwan and Jake with 3 fouls each.

Jimond and Aron are not giving us anything off the bench and with Pat out we need them. I am sure Jimond is thinking that everyone is shooting the three ball why not me. Because you are the guy we need to drive to the basket and not shoot threes. This is a good game against a team that likes to move with pace. With only one center is not going to be an easy game.

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They miss Pat big time, can't get anything inside. Also, still no penetration from the guards, and again they are getting abused by athletic guards on the other end.

At least they are knocking down a decent percent of open threes.

In other words, a typical game, but without Pat in the second half, I have a bad feeling about this. Bid Dog and Kwan are in foul trouble and Iona will continue to attack.

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