Very nearly a horror show at Halloween
The game started with Michael O’Connell hitting a 3PT shot, just exactly what we wanted to see. However, it didn’t continue the way it started.
The Wolfpack played reasonably well (for the beginning of the season) early and took a 19-point lead into the locker room at the half. But then we relaxed and watched the Bobcats take over the game. They turned up the energy, and the Pack couldn’t do anything about it. They tied it at 67 with 4:13 left and we limped to the finish, barely surviving.
Overall Takeaways:
- We added a handful of double digit scorers, so you would have expected to start the season with the offense ahead. We shot a very weak 38.7% / 20% / 67.5%
- We expected to rebound well, and did, leading the rebounding 52-38
- We could not protect the ball, we had 19 turnovers. Eight different players had turnovers.
- I was surprised to see Coach Keatts had all three freshmen on the court simultaneously more than once
- First half starters – O’Connell, Taylor, Hill, Styles, Huntley-Hatfield
- Second half starters – O’Connell, Taylor, Hill, Middlebrooks, Huntley-Hatfield
- Nine different players attempted 3PT shots, 20 total. We only hit 4.
- Wolfpack radio reported that Mike James had his knee scoped today. Coach Keatts expects him to miss 3-4 games.
- Dennis Parker Jr did not play either due to ankle sprains, but was not expected to miss extended time.
Individual Highlights
- Michael O’Connell was very much in charge, verbally directing the show on the court
- Jayden Taylor played really well, He was the only player with more than 30 minutes, he had 33. He led the team in scoring (12), assists (5) and steals (3)
- The freshmen played well, McNeil got 9 minutes, Heard and Parker 12 each.
- Nor surprisingly, Diouf looked a little behind. He played the fewest minutes. He did come in at forward with Ben at center for a few minutes.
Coach Keatts’ post game interview
“I don’t think this particular game says anything about us”
It gets real Monday.