This was a game that we should have won. Marshall is average or below, but its always a big deal to win on the road and we finally did.

Our bench came up big. I really like Peete who has come such a long way during his time here. He is a leader, maybe THE leader on this young team.

Something we don't talk enough about is our collection of talent, much of it young. I get giddy thinking how good we "could" be in the AAC next year. But the one caveat to that statement is our inside post game so far. Wright has so much talent, but just takes himself out of the game with those dumb fouls. I just wonder if his play has caught up to his body development.

Swannegan may have played his best offensive game and probably saved us down the line with his blocks after Evans fouled out. Evans just doesn't seem to be a post/inside player - yet, if at all,

This was a tough game for SH. Evidently, Marshall watched the game tapes and decided to cut off his drives. Woodard, Ray and the other non-posts played their normal "up and down" game IMO.

It was a good road win against a decent to weak CUSA team. I just wish we'd have won that UNCC game. If we had, I think we'd be snapping at the heals of La Tech right now, but they are probably the class of the league. We are somewhere in the second tier. But wait till next year when our sophs are battle tested veterans in a tough new league.

Stay tuned.

We did exactly what you shouldn't do against an opponent on a losing streak... we came out lethargic & played a terrible first half. Fortunately we got hot in the 2nd half & ran away with it. Ray had a great road trip, 11-13 FGs & 8-8 FTs, 3 assists & 0 TOs. He is becoming clutch in late game situations. We do need more consistency from our leaders. Woodard seems closest to becoming our consistent scorer.

This team shows more potential each week. We have different players stepping up each game. The key for our success in El Paso may be our overall, game to game consistency. Consistency is a tough goal to attain for a sophomore dominated team.

Until we get an average or better true post player, we will remain in the 2nd tier. I don't believe Evans came on board as a post player, he is much more of a Nowitzki type tall guy......his natural position would be small forward. We need a space eater in the post, all of our other players, Wright especially, are true power forwards.........with so many players playing out of their true position we are doing pretty darn good. I also expect some additional improvement next year and they will put on a pretty good show our 1st year in the AAC but we won't be in the top tier without a true center. When a say a true center, I mean someone who can bang with anybody, not get pushed around........I don't mean a big scorer.......6 pts a game and 9 rebounds......we have plenty of scorers if they are in their proper place.

Very good point Fisher. Can Big E be that guy for us next season ? If not, we need Manning to find us one quick !

(01-18-2014 09:52 PM)Tulsafanzz Wrote:  Very good point Fisher. Can Big E be that guy for us next season ? If not, we need Manning to find us one quick !

I agree with both you on those observations.

I think Big E passes the eye test, but I've wondered how and "if" he can be molded into that "space eater" we need - very soon. I watch him everytime he actually is allowed to warm up and he looks very awkward with the ball in his hands. No fundamentals to speak of. Its pretty obvious this redshirt year was desperately needed. His youth is on his side, but I wonder if a guy that isn't native born and hasn't had much experience playing in the schoolyards understands the intricacies of american MBB just yet. I think it will take him a year or two to get used to this level of MBB. IMO If he catches on quickly, he'll be that space eater.

I'd love to see us have some true posts AT the post. And I think you're right that DW and LE are best suited as a 4, not 5. But they could mature into that low post with enough practice and time. I know one thing, DW has the softest shot I can remember a big man having in a long time and Evens seems to be improving somewhat as a rebounder.

IMO

Tulsa shouldn't have lost to Charlotte and from everything I have seen on Marshall. They are weak this year. If those games on the road had been against tougher teams TU would have lost both. That saying Tulsa is showing signs of improvement on the road if slowly. Consistency is the keyword here, TU is still not there yet. You need seniors and juniors that have been to the wars to attain consistency.