This did not turn out to be the challenge we expected
Game Summary:
This is a game in which it’s hard to know how much value to put into the results. The anchors of Colgate’s team, Cox and Woodward played 13 & 14 minutes of the first half respectively due to injuries. They usually account for 25.6 points per game, 12 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. However, if, as predicted, they win the Patriot League and return to the NCAA Tournament it will look good on our resume in March.
The first half entirely changed complexions at the first TV timeout when Colgate was up 6-2. Up until that point we had abandoned ball movement and just took turns missing shots. After the timeout, the Wolfpack then went on a 17-0 run by dialing up the defense and sharing the ball. The half ended at 40-22 and the game was decided.
The second half was never even slightly in question. We led by as many as 30 and were able to get about everyone playing time. It was great to see Dennis Parker, Jr. play 16 minutes to start getting back in game shape.
Overall Takeaways:
- It seemed that Coach Keatts wanted to let the team work through its issues at the beginning of the game – but they didn’t. At the first time out he did some coaching, and we looked like a very good team for the middle of the half and leading by as much as 21 at one point.
- The Pack did not succumb to the temptation to relax during the second half. Credit to the coaches for keeping them working. It was frenzied at times, but mostly energetic.
- Three-point shooting continues to be an issue (21.4% 3/14), however, unlike the last game, we did hit a few.
- Defensively, we forced 16 turnovers on a team that averages 8, and we guarded the 3PT line very well limiting a team that relies on hitting 3PT shots to 19.2%.
Individual Highlights
- Injury undates: Diouf hurt his elbow in practice, minor – not a concern. Trey Parker’s wrist showed no damage in the MRI but is still very sore. Day to day.
- Jayden Taylor had only 1 TO after consecutive games with 5
- Ben Middlebrooks won the best stat line award again – 19 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocked shots. And that was playing only 16 minutes – seven players had more minutes
- Dontrez Styles had his first double digit rebounding night with 11
- Michael O’Connell – 4 assists, 0 turnovers
- Dennis Parker, Jr. – Played his most minutes since February and is rusty, but his energy and enthusiasm were there. He was a strong defensive force, one of the things he prides himself in. Despite his shot not yet being back, he had a solid stat line including 5 rebounds.